Pippin Production Collaborates with Theatre MSU and Music Department for 60th-Year Season Finale

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Honoring 60 seasons of theatrical excellence, Mississippi State University’s Theatre MSU presents a rendition of “Pippin” from April 25-28 on the main stage of McComas Hall.

Originally performed at MSU decades back when the McComas Hall theater was built, “Pippin” narrates the tale of a young prince questing for meaning and purpose. This 1972 musical is composed by Stephen Schwartz, based on Roger O. Hirson‘s book, with input from Bob Fosse, the original Broadway director.

Collaborating with the Department of Music, Theatre MSU tickets cost $20 for general admission and $10 for MSU students, faculty, staff, and children under 12. Further details can be found at www.events.msstate.edu.

“The collaboration with Theatre MSU is a thrilling venture for the Department of Music,” expressed Garrett Torbert, a faculty member coordinating pit orchestra, vocal coaching, and musical direction. “Working together simplifies the process and brings together many creative minds for the sake of art.”

An alumni reunion for Theatre MSU is set on April 27, 5-7 p.m., at Mitchell Memorial Library’s Grisham Room, hosted by Theatre MSU and the family of Dominic J. Cunetto, the originator of MSU’s theatre program that commenced in 1963.

“The inclusive nature of Theatre MSU remains a cornerstone of its success—we welcome students from all disciplines and cherish the diverse talents they contribute,” noted Tonya Hays, a theatre performance assistant professor and coordinator of the theatre concentration. “The program’s strength lies in the unique gifts each student brings.”

Hays emphasized Theatre MSU’s continued commitment to excellence through its engagement with high school students during the annual High School Drama Festival and fall children’s production offered to regional school children.

Aside from the mainstage productions, MSU’s theatre division features student groups like The Scene for films, Black Friars Drama Society for student-directed plays, Alpha Psi Omega, Eta Pi Chapter for the national theatre honor society, and The Lab Rats Improv Troop.

Recognized as a 2021 School of Excellence in Higher Education by the Mississippi Alliance for Arts Education, Theatre MSU’s upcoming events can be inquired by contacting Hays at thays@comm.msstate.edu.

Under MSU’s College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Communication can be explored online at www.comm.msstate.edu. The Department of Music, housed in MSU’s College of Education, is accessible online at www.music.msstate.edu.