Alex Newell Wows in Pippin 50th Anniversary Concert with Stellar Performance of ‘Magic to Do’
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In an exclusive event, talented Tony Award-winning actor and singer, Alex Newell, took centre stage in the Pippin 50th Anniversary Concert, beckoning theatre enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the magical world of this iconic production. The celebratory event, paying homage to the cherished 1972 musical crafted by none other than the acclaimed composer and lyricist behind Wicked, Stephen Schwartz, was filmed at London’s esteemed Theatre Royal Drury Lane back in April 2024. Set to stream on BroadwayHD from Thursday, March 13, and PEOPLE is thrilled to share a sneak peek of the concert, featuring Newell’s captivating rendition of “Magic to Do,” the show’s opening number.
At the age of 32, Newell astonishingly embraces the role of the Leading Player, a character immortalised by the legendary Ben Vereen in the original production, winning a prestigious best actor Tony for his stellar portrayal. Pippin narrates the voyage of a young man in search of purpose and satisfaction in his life, narrated by an enigmatic troupe of performers. Boasting a book by Roger O. Hirson, the musical boasts iconic tunes such as “Corner of the Sky,” “No Time at All,” and “Morning Glow,” all of which have seamlessly woven themselves into the fabric of musical theatre history since their debut.
The original 1973 production of Pippin garnered a staggering 11 Tony Award nominations, including a nod for the best musical category. The stellar lineup of accolades included two wins for the renowned director and choreographer Bob Fosse. Fast forward to a critically acclaimed revival in 2013, spearheaded by Patina Miller, which scooped up four Tony Awards, including best revival of a musical, best direction of a musical by Diane Paulus, and accolades for Miller and supporting actress Andrea Martin.
Amidst sold-out audiences and rave reviews, the Pippin 50th Anniversary Concert emerges as a shining beacon of theatrical excellence. Alongside Newell, the star-studded cast features the likes of Jac Yarrow as ‘Pippin,’ Olivier Award winner Patricia Hodge as ‘Berthe,’ Lucie Jones as ‘Catherine,’ as well as Olivier Award nominees Cedric Neal as ‘Charlemagne’ and Zizi Strallen as ‘Fastrada.’ Backed by the enchanting 25-piece London Musical Theatre Orchestra and a 50-person choir, the evening is brought to life under the meticulous direction of Jonathan O’Boyle.
BroadwayHD, renowned as the foremost platform for streaming live and recorded theatrical productions worldwide, extends a golden opportunity for audiences to revel in the magic of the Pippin 50th Anniversary Concert. Co-founders Bonnie Comley and Stewart F. Lane express their delight in offering exclusive access to such exceptional musical events, emphasising the platform’s mission to broaden access to once-in-a-lifetime performances for audiences far and wide.
The Pippin 50th Anniversary Concert is a testament to the enduring allure of theatre, showcasing the timeless appeal of a classic production through the lens of contemporary artistry. As the curtains rise on this extraordinary performance, audiences are treated to a dose of theatrical brilliance, masterfully delivered by a stellar cast under the expert guidance of visionary directors. Embrace the magic, immerse yourself in the enchanting melodies, and embark on a mesmerising journey through the world of Pippin, a theatrical gem that continues to captivate hearts and minds across generations.