Musical theatre program brings Pippin to Black Box

The young prince Pippin is in search of the secret to true happiness and fulfillment. Pippin the musical will run from Feb. 18 to Feb. 22 at the Black Box Theatre in St. Thomas University. (Credit: Cameron Rouse)

Upon entering the Black Box, students are running through choreography, writing down cues and painting sets for the opening of their 2026 production of Pippin. 

From Feb. 18 to Feb. 22, St. Thomas University’s musical theatre class will showcase Pippin, a musical that touches on the themes of war, politics and extravaganza.

Each year, the class selects a musical to perform, considering the budget, available resources and “what’s going on in the world.”

This year, the choice to perform Pippin was an “afterthought.” 

Tania Breen, artistic advisor and director of the show, said she never expected the class to choose Pippin as it was added to the list at the last minute.

“[The students] got so excited when they finally read it and they listened to the music,” she said. “They unanimously chose Pippin.”  

Breen said she also shared the excitement since this musical is not as well-known as the previous works from the last couple of years. 

“It’s a little more niche,” she said.

Pippin first premiered on Broadway in the 1970s and was again revised in 2013.

However, this time, the students will have more creative freedom on stage. 

Breen said they had to work collaboratively to build every moment, asking each other, “What is your version of it?”

“Everything you see on that stage they’ve chosen, they’ve chosen the framing story, the costuming, the set design, the lighting design … everything,” said Breen. 

Without giving too much away before the opening night, Breen highlighted the ensemble work and the dynamics of the group, making certain moments within the piece “shockingly moving.” 

Maya Buchanan, a fifth-year student majoring in criminology and interdisciplinary fine arts, will play the lead role of Pippin. 

Buchanan said she decided to audition for the role because she resonated with the story and when she found out she got the lead, she “jumped in the air.” 

As the lead character, Buchanan emphasized the importance of setting a positive example for the cast, bringing an uplifting energy on stage. 

“I've been working with so many great people … the dancing has just been so much fun … it's a very welcoming, warm environment to just rehearse in,” said Buchanan. 

This is Buchanan’s first time being the lead in a musical theatre production. With only a middle school production of Charlie Brown under her belt, she joined the intro to musical theatre class in her second year at STU. Then, she applied to the upper-year program in her third year. 

“Because sometimes I just like throwing myself into things I know nothing about.”

With time, she learned more about how theatre works, with help from other students and professors. She also hopes to pursue theatre after graduation, carrying everything she has learned from her peers into the future. 

From the show, Buchanan wants the audience to take away the message that you don't have to burn yourself out to achieve great things.

“I think this show is gonna be great. And I'm so excited for everyone to show off what they've practiced and learned.”

“I’m really pumped.”