Diversionary Theatre Opens PIPPIN Tonight, 9/15

Diversionary Theatre announced complete casting for its production of PIPPIN, the extraordinary musical journey with book & lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, book by Roger O. Hirson and directed by James Vasquez. Performances begin at Diversionary Theatre (4545 Park Blvd San Diego, CA 92116) tonight, September 15.

Courtney Corey (Original LA & Chicago Wicked, 1st & 2nd National Tours of Rent) as Leading Player and Louis Pardo (National Tour of Jesus Christ Super Star, San Diego’s MixTape) as Pippin lead a cast that includes Megan Carmitchel (Catherine), Andy Collins (King Charles), Tony Houck (Lewis), Luke Jacobs (Fastrada), Wendy Maples (Berthe) and Hunter Schwarz (Theo).

In this reimagined, innovative staging of the musical favorite, James Vasquez upends the story of a young prince searching for happiness and fulfillment. On his journey Pippin samples the glories of the battlefield, the wisdom of a grandmother, the intrigues of political power, the pleasures of the flesh and simple farm life – trying to find where he fits in.

The creative team for PIPPIN includes Charlie Reuter (Musical Direction), Sean Fanning (Scenic Design), Shirley Pierson (Costume Design), Elizabeth Swaffield (Lighting Design), Kevin Anthenill (Sound and Video Design), Annette Ye (Associate Choreographer), Chandra Anthenill (Stage Manager), Bret Young (Producer) and John E. Alexander (Executive Director).

Diversionary Theatre’s production of PIPPIN is presented with the generous support of Creative Fund Donors Pat Shank and Darrell Netherton & RoBert Wheeler.

Tickets are available now to Diversionary Members. Single tickets, memberships and tickets available online at www.diversionary.org, through Diversionary Theatre’s Box Office by calling 619-220-0097 or by visiting 4545 Park Boulevard San Diego, CA 92116. Single ticket prices ranges from $27-41 (prices are subject to change).

Megan Carmitchel (Catherine) is thrilled to be making her Diversionary Theater debut. Recent theater: Stepping Out (The Welk Theater, San Diego); The Who's Tommy (San Diego Repertory Theater); Peter Pan (Berkeley Playhouse); Chess and City of Angels (San Francisco State University). She holds her Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance from San Francisco State University.

Andy Collins (Charles) has previously been seen at Diversionary Theatre in The Rocky Horror Show, Jeffrey, Falsettos, Valhalla, The Break Up Notebook, The Daddy Machine and Twist. Elsewhere: Cabaret, The Matchmaker, My Fair Lady, Pageant (Cygnet); Gypsy, Parasite Drag (ion); The Full Monty, Bye Bye Birdie (San Diego Musical Theatre); Guys & Dolls (Lambs); Moon Over Buffalo (North Coast Rep); Oklahoma, Me And My Girl, La Cage Aux Folles (Starlight). Andy was in the first graduating class of San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts.

Courtney Corey (Leading Player) is pleased to make her Diversionary debut. Elsewhere: Wicked (Original Los Angeles and Chicago companies), Rent (1st and 2nd National Broadway Tours), Limelight, Bonnie and Clyde, The Wiz (La Jolla Playhouse), Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas (The Old Globe), The Great American Trailer Park Musical (San Diego Rep), This, Lend Me A Tenor, Over The Tavern, Jacques Brel (North Coast Rep). As well as being a performer, Ms. Corey is an award-winning director and choreographer.

Tony Houck (Lewis) is proud to be back at Diversionary where he has performed in Harmony, Kansas, Next Fall, [title of show], Twist, Scrooge in Rouge, Yank!,and Dear Harvey. Elsewhere Cabaret (Cygnet); Mistletoe, Music, and Mayhem (North Coast Rep).

Luke H. Jacobs (Fastrada) Diversionary debut. Credits include: Lucky in Dames at Sea, Don Kerr in A Chorus Line, Richard (the nice nurse) in A New Brain, Caldwell B. Cladwell in Urinetown, Gideon in Seven Brides… and Beverly Carlton in The Man Who Came to Dinner. Abroad: 2nd National Tour of All Shook Up, Lead Singer/Dancer aboard the M/S Maasdam with Holland America Line. He holds his BFA in Musical theatre from CSU, Fullerton.

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