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Recently, the musical Pippin, as shown at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, CT, came into my life. And the way it came into my life, the musical itself, the cast of the musical, and the journey I went on with it all is so beautiful to me that I want to take the time to tell you how wonderful it is, and to tell you to go see the musical. The musical itself is extraordinary: a psychedelic, 1970's written production that shows the journey of Pippin, the young and restless son of King Charlemagne, as he tries to find purpose in his life. It is highly visual and aesthetic, with exotic dance numbers, alluring, psychedelic costumes, and catchy, memorable songs. The music is absolutely beautiful and interesting, and the singers and dancers that perform it are amazing. As well, it is not without its deeper meaning, a truly inspiring concept about life that is very existential, and reflective of the period it was written, yet timeless in its message. It alludes much to the time period of King Charlemagne, with pre-medieval inspired constumes, scenery, scenes, and dialogue, but as well, it is entirely modernized to the 1970's, complete with its tongue-in-cheek anti-war undertones, sexual liberalism, and existential "no answer" answer to life messages. But more than the musical itself is the experience I had with the musical, and the connection I felt to it and the people involved in it. This is what I think makes any art meaningful and powerful, the connection one feels to the artists behind it. Feeling a part of the art itself, and feeling connected to the artists who created it, gives verisimilitude and effect to its message. I do not know any of the cast personally, but I got to meet them all on a few occasions in East Haddam, and they exude the same light and warmth in person that they do on stage. But its not important whether or not I actually "know" them in real life, as it is important the experience of feeling you "know" a segment of someone's soul from the art and expression they are creating: what real, true art is. And it is not just the immediate cast that inspires me, but the fact they are reviving a musical from the 1970's, and all the meaning that was intended for it back then by the people who wrote it and starred in it, all being reincarnated in the people involved in it today. This is especially refreshing to me, in our world today with so much desensitizing technology and information that comes to us so devoid and sterile of human love. Just like the 60's and 70's, when people were trying to find meaning in life, come together and love each other, so does it seem the creation of a musical embodies this kind of communism. Not that I am niave to the hardships and chaos and drama that ensue in any production, nor am I trying to idolize or create a utopia out of the real life situation that exists. But the fact that this image is portrayed to me I think is inspiring alone. This is part of what makes the entire musical so inspiring to me, that people have come together to use their talents to make something greater than the sum of their parts. And I wish them all the best. What I am trying to say is that all the incredible talent that is in this musical, by the original writers, performers, and musicians from the 1970's, and the performers and musicians in it today, all becomes more beautiful and incredible to experience when you consider the meaning behind it. But what's so especially interesting to me personally about this musical is that it strangely parallels so much of my personality, and my real life, during the time in my life when I experienced seeing it. So, I decided I am meant to talk about this. So, I am writing to tell you almost all of my experience with the musical Pippin, my highly unique interpretation of it, and everything else creative you've come to expect from this website. Much of the experience I had with this musical is private, and will not be written about here. But, I feel I can write about what is truly meaningful anyway. I make no claims on any of this information to anyone other than myself, this does not reflect the views of any of the cast, the original writers, or the Goodspeed Opera House, and I do hope that any and all criticism that may exist in this writing is flattering and taken positively by anyone involved. I do not want to violate any privacy, or infringe on any copyrights, so if any of this writing is offensive to anyone involved, please and I will remove it immediately. This writing is done to promote the musical and I hope everything I say comes out as beautifully as what I am trying to reflect.
There will be more in depth writing on my feelings about the musical later. I have a lot to write, and will add to this shortly.
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