![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/embed1edited-600x400.png\")
A group of performers dressed in dark cloaks form a circle on stage Thursday, April 30, 2026. From jazz numbers to hula-hoop dancing, the musical had many unique performances. (Photo courtesy of Mar Arellano)<\/p>\nThe Sacramento State Theatre and Dance Department asked audience members to reflect on personal purpose at the opening night of \u201cPippin\u201d last Thursday, April 30. The cast has been working since early fall to create a show that left lasting impressions on audience members.<\/p>\n
In Sac State\u2019s \u201cPippin,\u201d the audience isn\u2019t just watching the story unfold; they are a part of it. The Theatre and Dance Department\u2019s latest production transforms the stage into an immersive environment, blurring the line between performer and audience.<\/p>\n
Attendees were placed on stage, experiencing the show firsthand, while performers broke the fourth wall. Running April 30 to May 10, the show reimagines Stephen Schwartz\u2019s iconic musical, exploring identity, ambition and the search for meaning.<\/p>\n
Warm, golden tones filled the theater, creating an inviting, moody atmosphere. Upbeat jazz drifted across the space as performers weaved between audience members. Action unfolded in all directions, placing viewers at the center of the story.<\/p>\n
A group of performers dressed in dark cloaks form a circle on stage Thursday, April 30, 2026. From jazz numbers to hula-hoop dancing, the musical had many unique performances. (Photo courtesy of Mar Arellano)<\/p>\n
Christine Nicholson, the director of the show, said she wants students to seek the important questions and answer them after the show.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a play for our time because it\u2019s about finding a sense of self and how to move forward in life,\u201d Nicholson said. \u201cIt asks big questions, and I hope people come away asking themselves those questions.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nicholson also talked about the show\u2019s unique beauty, complex storyline and character development. She said that \u201cPippin\u201d encourages self-discovery, spinning a historical narrative into a unique musical audiences have never experienced before.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe show is visually stunning. Some of it\u2019s really funny, and some of it will make you cry,\u201d Nicholson said.<\/p>\n
RELATED: \u2018Does that mean I can do anything?\u2019: Sac State play aims to demystify neurodivergency<\/a><\/p>\n Abigail Simens, a third-year theatre major, is part of the dancing ensemble in the show. She said she finds the show appealing for its humor and vibrance, as well as the difficult technical dancing.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a little quirky. I always think the quirky ones are fun,\u201d Simens said. \u201cWe\u2019re active, singing and dancing the whole time; there is never a dull moment in this musical.\u201d<\/p>\n Choreographer and Director Bob Fosse originally directed the Broadway production of \u201cPippin.\u201d He is known for his unique style of dance, eponymously called \u201cFosse.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt is a lot of jazz but with more specifications. Isolations and jazz hands are a huge part of Fosse,\u201d Simens said.<\/p>\n Mastering this dance style was challenging, according to the dancers, but something the cast was happy to take on. Aaron James Kaheaku, a member of the ensemble, was particularly brave in this regard,<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t have any background in dancing, so learning all that was like, \u2018Oh my God,\u2019\u201d Kaheaku said. \u201cThankfully, I\u2019ve been getting it. It\u2019s been fun.\u201d<\/p>\n With dance practices four to five nights a week since January, cast members were committed. Even more experienced dancers in the cast recognized the challenge.<\/p>\n \u201cI have never done Fosse, but I have danced my whole life. I\u2019ve done a lot of dancing ensembles; it\u2019s one of my favorite parts to play,\u201d Simens said. \u201cThis show is definitely the hardest dance I\u2019ve ever had to do, but it\u2019s worth it.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/embed2edited-600x400.png\")
Aaron James Kaheaku, a member of the ensemble, holds the crown up Thursday, April 30, 2026. Audiences experienced the immersive element of the show as actors ran through the hallways to greet Kaheaku. (Photo courtesy of Mar Arellano).<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/embed3edited-2-600x400.png\")
Cooper Davey, a fourth-year theatre student who played the role of Pippin, wears the crown after extensive protest in the storyline Thursday, April 30, 2026. The story brings themes of power shifting, isolation and finding a sense of self. (Photo courtesy of Mar Arellano).<\/p>\n