According to Deadline, the Weinstein Company is working on a movie adaptation of Stephen Schwartz and Roger Hirsen’s Pippin. There isn’t a lot of information out there but all we know so far is that James Ponsoldt will pen the script for this under appreciated musical. With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Roger Hirsen, Pippin is about the son of King Charlemagne who, like most young people, is trying figure out who he is and what is his place in the world. The original Broadway production opened in 1972 with the incomparable Bob Fosse at the helm. It recently returned to Broadway and is currently playing. The current production is slated to open on April 25th.
I think that it is interesting that news broke about this project now. We are only about 13 days until the Tony Awards are announced and this show is probably going to at least nominated in the category of Best Revival of a Musical. Why not wait until after the Tony announcements? Why not wait until after it even opens? While the Weinstein’s probably don’t have money invested in the Broadway production, by capitalizing on a big moment you might attract film buffs to go see the current production. They of course are then going to want to compare it to the film version. All I see is a win-win situation for everybody.
The biggest question is who will star as the “Leading Man”? Ben Vereen originated that role and won a Tony for it in the original Broadway production in 1972. The best choice would probably be Patina Miller, who is currently reprising the role as the first female “Leading Man”. If they try to stick with a male “Leading Man” maybe they might look towards Leslie Odom Jr. I think he might do a pretty good job in that role. Whatever the case may be, there is still very little information about this production. Let’s just hope that film actually gets made.
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