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A Circus 'Pippin' Returns To Broadway

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An image from the new production of "Pippin," directed by Dianne Paulus of Boston's American Repertory Theater. (Joan Marcus)
Images from the new production of "Pippin," directed by Dianne Paulus of Boston's American Repertory Theater. (Joan Marcus)

Thursday night, a revival of the musical "Pippin" opens on Broadway — more than 40 years after the show first debuted.

The legendary Bob Fosse won two Tony Awards for his direction and choreography of the original production.

Diane Paulus, artistic director of the American Repertory Theater remembers seeing that show.

"I remember being marked by it, not totally understanding it, but viscerally experiencing the theatricality of the show," Paulus told Here & Now's Robin Young.

Paulus is now is directing the show and brings some serious credentials: her revival of the seventies musical "Hair" won a a Tony for Best Musical Revival.

In "Pippin," Paulus incorporates circus elements, as well as bits of Fosse, into the show.

She says its theme is about being extraordinary.

"The life of a circus artist is kind of epitomized in this quest for death-defying, extraordinary risk," she said.

Guest:

  • Diane Paulus, director of "Pippin," and artistic director of the American Repertory Theater.

This segment aired on April 25, 2013.

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