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Paulus is looking for an actor, male or female, to play the Leading Player, a sort of master of ceremonies, in the show, Playbill reported. The Equity casting notice says: "The Leading Player must be an incredibly strong performer with the willingness to take risks and dig deep and dark; a powerful presence."
The power referred to in the notice also means physically. Gypsy Snider of the Montreal-based circus company Les 7 doigts de la main (7 Fingers) will work with Paulus on this production, and as a result of this collaboration, they are asking for performers with "strength, flexibility, and dexterity." Actors with a background in gymnastics and acrobatics are encouraged to audition. A note from Snider says: "We would want to integrate these creative and unique skills into the musical numbers. Skills with contortion, tissue, hand-balancing, hand to hand, pairs and duo-mixed would be of added value."
Equity chorus calls for singers and dancers will be held Monday, April 2 and Equity principal auditions will be held Tuesday, April 3 in New York City. Auditions will also be held on Monday, March 26 in Cambridge, Mass. For more information and audition details, view the full casting notices on BackStage.com. (Subscription required.)
Paulus is the director of the Broadway revival "The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess," starring Audra McDonald. Snider is the co-director and choreographer of "Traces," the Off-Broadway cirque spectacle.
"Pippin" will be developed from July 30-Aug. 19 at A.R.T. Previews will commence Dec. 1 in Cambridge, MA with an opening scheduled for Dec. 19.
Select single tickets will be available for purchase May 1.
Ben Vereen received a Tony Award for his portrayal of the role in original 1972 Broadway production. "Pippin" boasts a score by Academy Award winner and Tony nominee Stephen Schwartz and a book by Tony nominated Roger O. Hirson.
