In Magic to Do, which celebrates the 50th anniversary of Pippin's opening, two-time Pulitzer Prize jury member Elysa Gardner turns her attention to this innovative show, the musical retelling of the story of Prince Pippin, son of Charlemagne, and his quest for an "extraordinary life." Magic to Do dives deep into the legendary clashes, backstage drama, and incredible artistic synergy that produced one of Broadway's most influential musicals, a show that paved the way for the pop-informed musicals that we know and love today. Full of big personalities, brilliant creative minds, and never-before-told stories, Magic to Do is an intimate look at a moment in history, a time and a place in which popular culture was as defined by conflict-between the young and the old, idealism and cynicism, creation and destruction-as anything else. Gardner draws out this friction through her examination of the creative struggles between Pippin's director/choreographer, the iconic Bob Fosse, for whom the show would mark a massive career resurgence, and its young composer/lyricist, Stephen Schwartz (of Wicked fame), who was making his Broadway debut. Magic to Do clearly marks the lasting cultural significance of Pippin, which derives in large part from the timelessness of the search for self, one that presents itself anew to each succeeding generation, accounting for the show's enduring popularity around the world. Infused with R&B sounds and a universal message, it is fair to say that, without Pippin, there is no Spring Awakening, Dear Evan Hansen, or even Hamilton.
Elysa Gardner, formerly the theater and music critic for USA Today, has at various points been a regular contributor to The New Yorker (as "Night Life" columnist), Rolling Stone, the Los Angeles Times, and VH1. She currently covers cabaret for the New York Times, and her writing has also appeared in Entertainment Weekly, Spin, Vibe, Billboard, Town & Country, Out, American Theatre, and other publications. She is a critic for New York Stage Review and hosts the podcast Stage Door Sessions for Broadway Direct. Her book credits include U2: The Rolling Stone Files, for which she wrote the introduction, and a chapter on Taylor Swift in Woman Walk the Line (University of Texas Press, September 2017). TV and radio appearances range from NPR to The Today Show. Gardner has served on the Pulitzer Prize drama jury twice, most recently (2017) as chair, and is a board member of the Drama Desk.
Magic to Do illustrates how the backstory behind the creation of Stephen Schwartz's Pippin is every bit as entertaining as the show itself. Elysa Gardner's account of the making of this classic show is rife with drama and surprises, particularly when she details the tension between the composer, Mr. Schwartz, and the director, the legendary (and infamously dictatorial) Bob Fosse. In fact, I wish that there was a book like this for every one of my favorite musicals.--Will Friedwald, critic, Wall Street Journal and author, Sinatra!: The Song Is You For we longtime fans of Pippin, this musical is a beloved corner of the sky. Elysa Gardner's loving and insightful celebration is a fitting tribute to one of the best shows of its era. You'll feel the 'Morning Glow' in every word.--Chris Jones, chief critic, Chicago Tribune/New York Daily News
