‘Pippin’ Launches National Tour in September 2014

With the current Broadway revival of “Pippin” running strong in the eyes of both fans and critics, producers have announced a national tour of the production will launch in September 2014.

As of yet, no dates, cities, venues or casting has been announced for the tour.

“Pippin” recently was nominated for 10 2013 Tony Awards, including Best Musical Revival. It opened on April 25 at the Music Box Theatre following previews that began March 23.

The current production is a new take on the original dark coming-of-age musical by Roger O. Hirson and Stephen Schwartz. The new production originally appeared at the American Repertory Theater in Boston last fall.

Diane Paulus, known for her work in “Porgy and Bess” and “Hair,” directs the musical that features circus choreography and acrobatics. Both “Porgy and Bess” and “Hair” won Tony Awards for Best Musical Revival.

Here’s what the official website for the Broadway version says about the new production:

Everything has its season… and this season, “Pippin” returns to Broadway for the first time since it first thrilled audiences 40 years ago! With a beloved score by Tony Award nominee Stephen Schwartz (“Godspell,” “Wicked”) that includes the favorites “Magic to Do,” “Glory” and “Corner of the Sky,” “Pippin” tells the story of a young prince on a death-defying journey to find meaning in his existence. Will he choose a happy but simple life? Or will he risk everything for a singular flash of glory?

The original production premiered on Broadway in 1972, and went on to play 1,944 performances before it closed five years later. That production won five Tony Awards, including Best Director and Best Choreographer. Since that time, the musical has gone on to become a favorite to be performed by high school and college theater troupes around the country.