BU alum returns to Binghamton with 'Pippin' touring cast

This month, the dazzling musical Pippin tumbles into Binghamton, with a production that includes Imani Pearl Williams: gymnast, Binghamton University grad, and former member of the BU swimming and diving team.

Pippin is the tale of a young prince seeking excitement and adventure and finding more than he bargained for along the way. Befitting a good adventure, there is a King (his father), a charismatic leader (the Leading Player), war, love, and struggles - both internal and external. There is also singing, dancing, acrobatics, knife-throwing, hula-hooping, and stunts that defy gravity. All-in-all, the perfect recipe for an amazing theatrical experience.

From its origins as a college musical by songwriter Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Wicked), Pippin debuted on Broadway in 1972, directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse. The current revival opened in 2013 under the direction of Diane Paulus, who, with the help of Gypsy Snider (cofounder and artistic director of the Montreal-based contemporary circus collective 7 Fingers), morphed the story’s theatrical company into a full-on circus troupe. The most nominated Broadway show of 2013, it collected four Tony Awards and a score of other honors.

It is fitting, in a story that involves a quest for adventure, that there be a princess, also seeking adventure. And, of course, there is - Imani Pearl Williams, cast member and understudy to the Leading Player. Between shows and time on the bus, she responded enthusiastically to my request for an interview.

Triple Cities Carousel: Can you tell me a bit about your background: where you are from, how you became interested in theatre, your time at BU, and what you have been doing since graduation?

Imani Peal Williams: I'm from Syracuse, NY. I started theatre in middle school and did it throughout high school as well, but not as seriously as I wanted to because I was also an athlete (gymnastics, track and field, diving). When I went to BU, I went to be a music major and dive on the BU swimming and diving team. After my first semester, I realized that I wasn't as interested as I thought I would be in music, so I switched to theatre after seeing the musical Man of La Mancha. The rest is history! I became fully immersed as a theatre major, and I was involved in several musicals and plays throughout my four years. Luckily, I got to compete on the [swimming and diving] team for most of these years as well.

I graduated in May of 2015, moved to [New York City] that September, and very luckily, by the end of the month I had booked a job that would take place for the next six months in Reno, Nevada. We did a version of A Christmas Carol where I was in the ensemble, and then Footloose and I played the character Rusty. I am very blessed to say that even after that, I stayed involved with the entertainment industry: doing short films, a mini-version of The Lion King, and working as an extra on various sets.

TCC: I saw a brief paragraph discussing a show you did while at BU, in which you credited your mom as being a “rock star.” How did she influence you and your theatrical career, and was there anyone else who was a major influence?

IPW: My mom has always been my biggest supporter, cheerleader, number-one fan, idol, et cetera. She is actually the one who told me to pursue theatre in college. She asked me what I liked doing and I said theatre, and she said, "Well, then study that!" Having such a solid rock and encouraging person in my life has gotten me to where I am today. It also helps that my best friend/brother does theatre as well, and is always there for me.

TCC: How did you become involved in the touring company of Pippin?

IPW: I attended the company's auditions and actually booked a different show with the company. But then, while I was in Florida doing Sweet Charity, I heard from friends that they were still in need of a Leading Player understudy, so I submitted and it worked out!

TCC: With a show that involves dancing and circus acrobatics, what is involved in your role as a Pippin Player?

IPW: Most of what I do in this show is dance. The company is sort of split by specialties: there are acrobats on one side and dancers on the other. That being said, I have a background in gymnastics, so I am currently a backup for some parts of the show if the acrobats get hurt or sick.

TCC: Can you explain how you learned the physical aspects of your role, and what that was like?

IPW: We actually trained as a group everyday with circuit training. We would work different muscles at different stations and rotate through once or twice to start off our rehearsals. Also, because I am an understudy for the Leading Player, I had to learn a trapeze routine that she does, so I went in for training sessions for that. My main focus throughout rehearsals was learning and finessing the Fosse-style choreography that we were taught by Mark Burrell and Chet Walker. It was amazing to work with Chet because he is someone who actually had the honor of working with Bob Fosse himself.

TCC: Is this your first experience as part of a touring company, and what is that like?

IPW: This is my first touring experience, and I have already learned a lot […]. Because I am trying to stay healthy, I have to make sure my body has what it needs. I actually became a pescatarian for about a month during my Sweet Charity contract, but I realized very early on in the rehearsal process that my body needed more protein than I was allowing it to have, so I had to stop. I've learned that healthy eating habits go a long way with touring, or at least with doing this show. I have also learned to never take laundry for granted ever again!

TCC: What are the most challenging aspects of Pippin for you?

IPW: Honestly, even though it is a basic concept for musical theatre, the singing-while-dancing part was the hardest. We are a pretty small ensemble and so in order to achieve the dynamics that the music demands, we have to really be aware of our breath. We do some very high-energy movement, and are also asked to sing at a certain level, and finding that balance to make both happen has been difficult, but I feel much better about it now.

TCC: What would you like to see in your theatrical future after Pippin?

IPW: There are some members of this cast who have worked on cruise ships before, so I would say that would be the next thing I'd want to do. I would also like to get an agent so I can get into commercial work, fit modeling, and other film related things. That's the thing about theatre, though: it really depends on what opportunities come your way!

TCC: Is there anything you would like to say to our readers about the show?

IPW: All I will say is come see it!

Directed by Mia Walker (formerly Assistant Director under Diane Paulus), with circus creation by Gypsy Snider, choreography by Chet Walker, music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, and book by Roger O. Hirson, Pippin stars Naysh Fox as Pippin and Housso Semon as the Leading Player.

Pippin is recommended for ages 13 and up. Performances take place February 28th and March 1st at 7:30pm at the Forum Theater, 236 Washington Street in Binghamton. Tickets ($35 - $57) can be purchased at the Arena box office, by phone: (800) 745-3000, or online at ticketmaster.com. Additional information can be found at broadwayinbinghamton.com or by calling (607) 778-6626.