Milpitas High's Fall Play Opens Thursday

The Milpitas High fall play Pippin runs this weekend at the Milpitas High School Theatre.

Pippin is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Roger O. Hirson. Pippin tells the story of a young man’s search for meaning and fulfillment in life.

Pippin is directed and produced by Kaila Schwartz, with choreography from Mandy Cottengim, and vocal direction from Dan McQuigg. Professional fight choreographer Steaphen Fick was brought in to arrange the historically accurate fight scenes for the play.

Pippin is the largest production to be put on by the MHS theatre to date.

“It is a really huge production,” Junior Jared Pati said. “From the music to the costumes, and how extravagant all the choreography is.”

Pati, who plays Pippin, is in his fifth production at MHS. “I feel the energy is different, it’s kind of freaky – it’s really fun for the audience," he said. 

“I love Pippin … it speaks to the complete adolescent experience,” Kaila Schwartz said. “In some ways it’s very much a traditional musical, and in some ways it’s not a traditional musical.”

A three-piece band accompanies the 19 actors in the musical, which play live during each of the shows musical numbers.

The play runs this weekend only, with shows at 7:30pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening.

Tickets can be purchased in advance in person or online for $10. Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $12.