‘Pippin’ lead goes to great heights

National Broadway tour coming to Springfield.

For her first national Broadway tour leading role in “Pippin,” Housso Semon had to rise to the occasion — literally.

Sure one has to sing, act and dance at a top level to even make it that far. For her role as Leading Player, the head of an acrobatic troupe of performers, Semon had to learn how to perform on a trapeze.

“That’s not easy,” she said. “I took some classes to prepare my body physically. I’m active in general, and now I feel fearless.”

There will be “Magic to Do,” to borrow the title of the production’s signature song, when the national Broadway tour of the Tony Award-winning “Pippin” closes out the 2016-17 Broadway and Beyond season Tuesday, May 2, at the Clark State Performing Arts Center.

This is a joint presentation for the Broadway and Beyond Series, presented by the Clark State Performing Arts Center and the Springfield Arts Council.

“Pippin” contains mature themes.

Written by famed lyricist and composer Stephen Schwartz between his other hits, “Godspell” and “Wicked,” “Pippin” tells the story of a performing troupe that guides a young prince named Pippin trying to figure out his direction in life.

The late legend Bob Fosse captured one of the original production’s nine Tonys as director, and “Pippin” features his signature choreography, snake-like movements, in Semon’s words. There are also acrobatic moments adding to the spectacle, which Leading Performer is in charge of.

While still learning her craft, Semon saw “Pippin” during its Broadway run that earned the 2013 Best Revival of a Musical.

“I’d heard great things about it and watched it but had no idea I’d be in it,” said Semon. “I couldn’t believe I could do anything like this, and I wanted to tackle it.”

Nervous at first, halfway through the tour now she’s having a great time and looks forward to each night.

“My favorite part of performing is seeing how audiences react,” Semon said.

She’s observed crowds of college towns are often more louder, more vocal and smaller town audiences are normally listeners and quieter.

Semon sees similarities to “Pippin” in her personal journey.

“It’s a show about the human experience, what we go through to be extraordinary and what we can be,” she said.

Contact this contributing writer at bturner004@woh.rr.com.


How to go

What: “Pippin”

Where: Clark State Performing Arts Center, Kuss Auditorium, 300 S. Fountain Ave., Springfield

When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 2

Admission: $60, 50, 40

More info: 937-328-3874 or www.springfieldartscouncil.org/event/pippin/

About the Author