- September 16, 2024
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Deaf actor Treshelle Edmond, left, portrays the leading player, while Remi Veronica, right, also portrays the leading player for the hearing world.
Pippin’s demanding father Charlemagne, played by Christopher Russell, demonstrates the brutal acts of war.
The “Pippin” cast performed the musical number “With You.”
Deaf actor Lane Breimhorst, who portrays Pippin as a deaf character, is crowned king following the killing of his father.
Deaf actor Lane Breimhorst, top, who portrays Pippin as a deaf character, and Edwin J. Perez II, who voices Pippin for hearing audiences, make a loveable pair.
Edwin J. Perez II, who voices Pippin for hearing audiences, performs one of the show’s musical numbers.
Megan Orlowski plays the character of Berthe, Pippin’s saucy grandmother.
Tay Anderson plays the character of Fastrada, Pippin’s conniving stepmother.
Claudio Medina Jr. plays the character of Lewis, Pippin’s half brother.
Fastrada, played by Tay Anderson, left, and Charlemagne, played by Christopher Russell, perform together.
Deaf actor Lane Breimhorst, who portrays Pippin as a deaf character, showcases emotion through the use of sign language.
The show includes a wide variety of creative choreography and captivating costumes.
Deaf actor Lane Breimhorst, who portrays Pippin as a deaf character, is crowned king following the killing of his father.
Samm Carroll, who plays Catherine, a beautiful widow and mother, sings to Pippin.
Young actor Callahan Taylor plays Theo, Catherine’s son.
Actor Kate Mobley implores audience members to join the mysterious performance troupe.
Editor’s note: This is the fourth and final story in a behind-the-scenes series of the Garden Theatre’s production of “Pippin” — the theater’s most ambitious project yet — and its commitment to education and raising awareness for the deaf community.
'PIPPIN: IN A NEW LIGHT' - Act 1: Ambition
'PIPPIN: IN A NEW LIGHT' - Act 2: Preperation
'PIPPIN: IN A NEW LIGHT' - Act 3: Execution
The Garden Theatre lifted the curtains for opening night of its “Pippin” production Friday, Aug. 23.
The show is the second in the theater’s 2024-25 Broadway on Plant Series.
While the production portrays the same beloved story that has been shared many times in its more than 50 years, the theater is focusing on accessibility and the contributions of deaf actors and creatives for audiences to experience the duality of the hearing and non-hearing world.
“Pippin” is multilingual, integrating American Sign Language, English and a rich visual language.
The show highlights the energy and retrospective fantasy of “Pippin,” while also introducing the unique artistry of deaf performers and sign language.
The show is led by Rob Winn Anderson, the theater’s producing artistic director, Michelle Mary Schaefer, the director of artistic sign language also known as the DASL for the show, and Cindy Wilson, the show’s choreographer.
Keith Davenport, chief organization officer for the Garden Theatre, is confident viewers will be captivated not only by the addition of ASL but also by the richness and beauty of the production.
“I am thrilled by the transformative power of theater and the unforgettable experience awaiting our audience,” he said. “We are immensely proud that our months of vision, dedication and hard work have culminated in this remarkable performance.”
Anderson said the process of bringing “Pippin” to the stage has been both daunting and joyful, and he wouldn’t change a thing.
“Working with Michelle, our deaf actors, our lead interpreter and our incredible hearing artists has deepened my appreciation beyond the visual beauty of ASL — it’s opened my eyes to what it truly means to be deaf,” he said. “This has been the education of a lifetime, and it’s far from over.”
Anderson’s dream is for the Garden Theatre to become a beacon of inclusivity, and that means fully embracing artists with disabilities.
“Without their voices, the conversation on diversity remains incomplete,” he said. “I’m thrilled for audiences to experience our ‘Pippin,’ a production filled with love, respect, determination and passion. My hope is that all of that radiates from the Garden Theatre stage to every member of the audience. We hope to take that same passion and determination into our coming shows and seasons. The arts are a vital engine for local economies; they draw people to dine, shop and spend at small businesses near the theater. It is important the community understand the challenges we are facing right now due to funding cuts and how their support is needed now more than ever.”
Davenport also is hopeful the Garden Theatre will be able to continue its work for many seasons to come despite the significant funding challenges the theater, and many other local arts organizations, face following the loss of $150,000 in state funding — triggered by a line-item veto from Gov. Ron DeSantis.
“This blow comes at a pivotal moment, as we’ve recently opened our new season and resumed producing our own shows — a vital, yet costly, endeavor — but essential to our theater’s future,” he said. “Successfully navigating this arts industry financial crisis is key to ensuring the long-term stability of this cherished institution.
“Thanks to the generosity of a few ‘angels,’ we’ve been able to bring this beautiful and meaningful production of ‘Pippin’ to Central Florida, but our journey is far from over,” Davenport said. “We urgently need ongoing support. ... The Garden Theatre is a cultural treasure — the sole live, professional performance venue in West Orange County, and we must not allow political decisions to stifle artistic expression or dim the vibrant light this theater brings to our community. So, what can a member of our community do? They can come see a show. They can make a donation. Or better yet, they can do both.”
