All Around Pennsauken

By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor

Pennsauken High School invites the local community to their performances of “Pippin,” held March 15-18. The musical, which originally ran on Broadway in 1972 and enjoyed a revival in 2013, offers the audience the fictional tale of the young prince, Pippin, as told by a costumed performance troupe. 

In addition to the play’s unique presentation of the story, “Pippin” is filled with amazing music and energetic dance performances.

“It’s an awesome story that’s relevant to teenagers,” explains Kate Brown, vocal music director at Pennsauken High School. “Like the main character, they’re trying to find out who they want to be.”

David Charris, who played the male lead in last year’s performance of “The Wedding Singer,” takes on the role of Pippin in this year’s musical.

“The role describes me as an individual,” says Charris. “Pippin has this attitude of, ‘If I don’t find out what I can do in life, I’ll go crazy.’ I want to find my place in life. I think everyone does.”

Charris is joined on stage this year with three dozen of his classmates; more than half of the students are new faces to the Pennsauken performing arts scene.

“We have a great group of freshmen in this year’s play; we also have some kids that were in stage crew last year making the move to the front of the stage. Even some members of our band got parts,” explains Brown.

Freshman Jenairy Gonzalez, who took part in several musicals at the Intermediate School, is playing the role of Catherine, the widowed farm owner who takes an interest in the lead character.

“It’s exciting,” says Gonzalez. “Catherine is confused most of the time and that’s basically me. I’m looking forward to being on stage for my first high school musical.”

And while “Pippin” is a new experience for many cast members, it is also the swan song of talented PHS senior Niambi Fetlow. She plays the mysterious Lead Player of the performance troupe.

“I like the music and the overall vibe of the show and that’s it’s free in a sense,” says Fetlow, who has used her experiences on Pennsauken’s stage to gain roles for shows at various theater companies in South Jersey. “After doing shows at the high school, I know that a career in the theater is what I want to do for the rest of my life.”

“We’re doing some great stuff on the high school’s stage,” adds Brown. “We’d love for the Pennsauken community to come out see what our talented students can do.”

“Pippin” will be performed at Pennsauken High School’s auditorium, located at 800 Hylton Rd. The shows on March 15-17 begin at 7:00 p.m. There is a matinee on Sunday, March 18 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets for “Pippin” at Pennsauken High School are just $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors. Group tickets rates are available and tickets will also be available for purchase at the door. For more information, or to buy tickets in advance, call (856) 662-8500 x5273.

Other Local Performances

Bishop Eustace Preparatory School is performing “Disney’s The Little Mermaid,” March 1-3, 7:30 p.m., at the Collingswood Scottish Rite Theatre. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.eustace.org/page/arts/theatre.

Camden Catholic’s performances of “Anything Goes” are held March 2, 3, 9, and 10 at 7:30 p.m.; and on March 4 and 11 at 2:00 p.m. in the school’s auditorium. For more information and tickets, visit http://www.cchsperformingarts.com.