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The question of how to find fulfillment in life is one most people have probably asked themselves at one point or another. “Pippin” is a dynamic and introspective musical that chronicles the journey of a young prince as he searches to answer this question for himself. Directed by Crystal X. Manyloun ’26, “Pippin” will run at the Agassiz Theatre from Dec. 5 to Dec. 8. In Manyloun’s words, the musical is a powerful story in which Pippin (Henry D. Pahlow ’28) “explores glory, power, and sex.”

This production of “Pippin” on Harvard’s campus holds special significance. It pays homage to director Diane M. Paulus ’88, who famously revived the musical in 2012 at the American Repertory Theater, just across the street from the Agassiz. Paulus’s revival transferred to Broadway in 2013 and won the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical, solidifying her reputation as a leading figure in theater. She currently serves as the Artistic Director of the A.R.T. In this way, Manyloun’s production not only entertains, but connects the Harvard community to its theatrical past.

“Bringing ‘Pippin’ to Harvard is also celebrating the fact that we have Harvard alumni who go on and become really important figures in theater,” Manyloun said.

While paying this homage, Harvard’s “Pippin” has also been filled with many firsts. Pahlow, who plays the titular role, is making his Harvard theater debut. Pahlow is one of several first-year students participating in the show, either as performers or members of the production team. Despite the challenges of being a newcomer, he described the experience as overwhelmingly positive, noting that upperclassmen “stepped up and mentored us.”

“[Pippin] is the most complex character I’ve played,” Pahlow said.

Pahlow expressed that the experience of playing Pippin was transformative for his acting career, speaking to the emotional depth of the musical. Part of the complexity of Pippin’s character is his unique journey to self discovery.

“He begins with so much optimism, but as you see throughout the entire show, he kind of realizes that the world really isn’t what he’s expecting — that the dreams he has really aren’t there and really can’t be found,” Pahlow said.

Pippin’s journey can be deeply relatable, particularly for Harvard students who find themselves navigating a transformative phase of life while pursuing ambitious dreams. Like Pippin, they face pivotal moments that require difficult choices and ultimately shape their paths in profound ways. These defining decisions can lead to unforeseen challenges or remarkable opportunities, underscoring the universal truth that growth often emerges from the unexpected. Yet rather than dreaming big, Pahlow hopes that audiences will embrace a more subtle lesson.

“Don’t dream so big that you look beyond what you actually have in life — don’t look beyond the family you have, the friends you have, or where you’re currently at — because then you might really miss out on the true beauty of life,” he said.

Another first that “Pippin” features are the acrobatics under the direction of Judy M. Epstein ’27, who has trained in acrobatics and circus skills for 11 years. At the beginning of the production process, most of the cast had no acrobatic experience at all. Epstein shared that the acrobatic elements add the “magic” to the show’s overarching theme of identifying one’s own “extraordinary way to exist in the world.”

The intimate space of the Agassiz Theatre and the cast’s limited experience prompted Epstein to design her own acrobatics for the production while still honoring the original Broadway elements. Audiences should be on the lookout for a human staircase and breathtaking stunts during the opening number, “Magic to Do.” Reflecting on the cast’s progress, Epstein expressed that she was “really proud” of how far the cast had come and how much they “embraced” learning these new skills.

“Pippin” is a dark yet fantastical musical filled with wonder, guaranteed to captivate audiences through its story of self-discovery. Viewers should expect to embrace wackiness, as “Pippin” is full of vibrant characters, dazzling choreography, and unpredictable twists. For those seeking escape from the stress of finals, “Pippin” offers a space to find a bit of magic.

“Pippin” runs at the Agassiz Theatre from Dec. 5 to Dec. 8.