BROOMALL'S OWEN MANNION JOINS THE MEDIA THEATRE'S 'PIPPIN' THIS SUMMER

"Join us, leave your fields to flower! Join us, leave your cheese to sour! Join us, come and waste an hour or two....Doodleeedo!"

Those are the opening lyrics to "Magic To Do", the first song audiences will hear in the bright and bubbly musical "Pippin", which plays every weekend in July at The Media Theatre. Stephen Schwartz, of "Wicked" and "Godspell" fame, wrote the music and lyrics.

You certainly won't waste an hour or two enjoying this Tony Award-winning musical, which first appeared on stage in 1972. Roger O. Hirson and the legendary Bob Fosse wrote the book, and Fosse developed creative choreography for the show.

"Pippin" uses the theatrical invention of a performance troupe, who travel from place to place telling audiences the story of a young man searching for significance within his place in society as a King's son. With a Leading Player who leads the cast in 'acting out' the narrative, audiences are taken on a journey in which we learn it's the simple things in life that matter most.

Owen Mannion

The role of Pippin is played by Owen Mannion of Broomall. He is a former Media Theatre student now pursuing a professional career in theater. He is studying at Manhattanville College in Purchase, NY. While at Media, he was seen in several summer productions including "School of Rock", "Into The Woods", and "The Who's Tommy". He has also been in Media's professional musicals including "The Wizard of OZ" and "The Sound of Music".

Mannion started his involvement at The Media Theatre over a decade ago when he joined Camp Media Theatre for the first time at age 8. He studied with Artistic Director Jesse Cline in the theatre's New School for two years and, as he grew into his later teens, he worked in the theatre box office and assisted with social media campaigns and graphic design.

"The Media Theatre has been a large part of my life and development," Mannion said. "I look forward to many more years of being involved here, and to being in the show this summer. My hope is that I set an example for the teenagers that have a desire to fulfill their own goal of a career in theatre."

He is referring to the show's Teen Ensemble, who take on all of the other roles in the show. Each summer, The Media Theatre produces a Teen Musical Experience as part of its annual camp offerings. Previous Teen Musicals include "Hair", "Jesus Christ Superstar", "Heathers", and "Grease".

The Media Theatre's summer Teen Ensemble productions have been very successful, providing an opportunity for youth actors, singers, and dancers to perform a two-act Broadway musical for general audiences. They'll rehearse for two weeks, working with professional directors and designers before performing the musical for general public audiences.

"Pippin" performs every weekend in July (Fridays at 7pm; Saturdays at 2pm and 7pm; Sundays at 3pm). Tickets are $12-15. Get tickets at mediatheatre.org or by calling 610-891-0100.