PIPPIN '73 John Rubinstein & Ben Vereen

[@peteradaniel]

Best channel I’ve ever subscribed to on KZbin

[@auroraspiderwoman5886]

Yay!! Thank you!

[@Rednuhtfonos]

Welcome to the spiderwoman family! We nerdy few.

[@JustAnotherBeth]

Amazing what cocaine can do

[@peteradaniel]

@@JustAnotherBeth I hear it’s a helluva drug!

[@CherylClark7]

Thank you for posting! - I was the Original Swing & covered all five of these “Pippin” greats; Jennifer, Kathryn, Pamela, Candy & Ann- I replaced Annie Reinking when she left to do original “Over Here”! And nobody like John & Ben! And Fosse! xo! Cheryl Clark

[@auroraspiderwoman5886]

Glad that you watched this--I bet you remembered the steps for all five of these ladies' tracks. Must have been exciting to be in that original "Pippin" cast, which I saw twice.

[@CherylClark7]

@@auroraspiderwoman5886 Yes, I remember it like it was yesterday/ and I was on a lot -that’s why they asked me to replace Ann Reinking when she gave her notice. Unfortunately they didn’t give me credit for the cast album, a SAD oversight, but I loved singing Stephen Schwartz’s fantastic score! Hopefully for the 50th anniversary he can repair that omission of my name! All 5 women had different vocal tracks as well! At age 21, it was my first Broadway audition after being a professional New York City ballerina, and it was very challenging! xo! CC

[@kidbowjb]

@@CherylClark7 did you know milton setzer. He was my uncle

[@karentecott640]

Wow!

[@Nacho-Mamma]

​@@auroraspiderwoman5886 I would have loved to see the original production with Irene Ryan. She left "The Beverly Hillbillies" to be in this show. And I've never heard anything but wonderful reviews of her performance.

[@epaddon]

This is from the Tonight Show, November 23, 1972 during one of Johnny's two road trips back to New York after he moved the show permanently to LA. Had Johnny continued to do road trips back to New York in the 70s he might well have spotlighted more Broadway shows the way Ed Sullivan had done.

[@auroraspiderwoman5886]

Thank you for filling in all of that info.

[@MartinRosol]

It’s a rather long sequence for the Tonight Show, at least by today’s standards. But then, at that time the Tonight Show was an full hour and a half long. It was later shortened to an hour. We are lucky to have this.

[@sonicmuse]

The greatest musical ever written! I first saw it on laser disk (the version with William Katt as Pippin) at my best friend’s house in middle school, and it completely changed my life and set me on my course of being a professional musician. But this is my first time seeing John Rubenstein as Pippin (though I had the original cast soundtrack with John’s fantastic singing)- what a treat! Thank you so much for posting this! 🙏

[@chocolatesouljah]

John Rubinstein in footage of "Pippin" wow! Fantastic!

[@dvolonino]

I was lucky enough to see Pippin on Broadway and still remember the experience.

[@michaelwilliams6132]

No one does it like Ben vereen

[@mickeyjohnson5247]

Agreed...

[@constancemerwin8171]

I love this song and dance routine with Ben Vereen and John Rubinstein. No later cast was ever better than this original cast. Both are extremely appealing in this number. On the Right Track is a wonderful, fun and inspirational tune. We get to see some of Fosse's original choreography, as well. I can see why Ben Vereen won a Tony award for this role in 1973 Rubinstein on the other hand is just downright youthfully sweet and sexy.

[@amygreen4408]

Well said!! 😁

[@NovaKJ138]

First time I’ve ever seen footage of John Rubinstein in this role, I do wish some existed of Irene Ryan. My mother saw this on stage back in 73 when she was in high school and bought the record, so I grew up on it!

[@GroovyShelly]

Bless you! I saw them both when I was a girl. Changed my life. Stunning production.

[@_TheBendyOne]

I absolutely LOVE the way Vereen moves. I'm always reminded of him when I watch Daveed Diggs, just such a unique style of movement, it's incredible to watch.

[@makeittrue]

Honestly, does Ben Vereen ever age? I saw him as the Wizard in "Wicked" years ago. He was a joy! Cool to see John Rubenstein performing.

[@amygreen4408]

Oh WoW, that must have been quite show to see him as the Wizard🤩.Amazing!!

[@ernlwjr2]

This is so wonderful and Ben Vereen is truly magical!!!

[@EricPease]

I was 11 or 12 years old when my parents took me to see Pippin on Broadway - led to a lifetime love of theater. thanks ever so much for sharing this.

[@mickeyjohnson5247]

What year did you see it?

[@tammylenox517]

Same for me. This was my first Broadway show 🎭❤

[@cw9817]

I've wanted for nearly four decades to see a video with John Rubinstein as Pippin. Thanks so much.

[@kellicoffman8440]

I wanted to see it too. So thrilled to find it

[@bulovapsb]

This recording, with Ben Vereen (who I saw *filling in* for Northern J. Calloway in November ‘75, before heading to California and Chicken George), and John Rubenstein (whom I’ve *never* had the pleasure of seeing in the role) is INVALUABLE! Thank you for finding and posting it.

[@robstockton911]

I love all the detail in Fosse’s choreography. There are no dead spots or “throwaway” fillers.

[@handsomeX]

So true!

[@sharontornatore-sgroi3402]

I was there March 10, 1973 at The Imperial performance, and yes, the first show when Irene Ryan became ill. Met Ben Vereen!!!

[@handsomeX]

Wow a year and a day before I was born, March 11th 1974.

[@brendacshea]

I've known these songs my whole life but never seen the choreography and blocking. Thanks you so much.

[@jazzyjune3]

I was blessed to have not only seen the original with both Vereen and Rubinstein which was the BEST version, but to have seen the revival on Broadway a few years ago and it was FANTASTIC.

[@fromingpigeon]

So, so amazing! I would have given anything to have been able to see Vereen and Rubenstein.

[@rugby8-Philadelphia]

Saw this right after it opened in NY. Always will be a favorite theatre experience 😎😎😎

[@hauntsandamusements]

Love John’s light baritone/baritenor in “With You”. So simple and sweetly sung.

[@christopherbush9027]

Such an underrated score - With You is such a beautiful piece of music. I’m not sure even now Stephen Schwartz gets the credit he deserves as a composer. Thank you as always for posting Spiderwoman!

[@auroraspiderwoman5886]

I must agree---with all of his huge success, Stephen Schwartz remains to an extent underrated as composer and as lyricist.

[@alexdaley7616]

Yes. The "lingering on...malingering on" in On the Right Track is such a brilliant set of lyrics.

[@JAHinHK]

Pippin, Godspell, and Wicked the beautiful song Meadowlark. Pure genius.

[@PecanSandees23]

When you consider that Stephen Schwartz has never won a Best Musical Tony (and should have for Wicked; I still can't believe that lost to Avenue Q), he is so underrated. I don't think he really cares any longer, but talk about someone who deserves more credit than he has been given! Love this score!!

[@johnv7060]

I am delighted to see this, and equally shocked they let the "With You" ballet, even expurgated, on TV in 1973. Thanks for this!

[@mickeyjohnson5247]

I can't believe that I found this..... ❤ 🎶 ❤🎶

[@groovygirl23]

Aurora, you are a blessing. This was the first B'way musical I actually saw on Broadway -- and fell on love for life with Ben Vereen and John Rubenstein. And Bob Fosse. And Ann Reinking. Your channel is a must!!!! Love & gratitude.

[@laurenbefree]

You have no idea how long I’ve been looking for a video of the OBC of pippin THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!

[@rawmark]

How could anyone miss Ann Reinking? She is such an amazing dancer and actress. And I adored her in Mickey and Maude. I'm sorry she didn't stick with acting but I understand she preferred to stay being the scenes. And I respect her for this.

[@wildman0228]

Thanks! LOVED this show as a kid..never saw them though. Love the original soundtrack!

[@DanielRuf]

sheer brilliance!

[@noextrai]

he changes mic hands so quickly. Ben Vereen!

[@Borealis1981]

Love this so much! I got to play the updated show as the Leading Player at a community theatre back in May. My fav role and first role that allowed me to lead a cast.

[@Zzzk23]

Ben Verneen wow

[@paulcanaday-elliott9834]

Ah-maz-ing. I listened to the original cast album over and over again when I was a kid. Never thought I’d see the original cast perform part of it as I didn’t think any of it was ever taped. The 1981 Toronto performance seemed the closest I’d ever get. It’s fascinating to see them perform and struggle through this television format, including with wired microphones, that doesn’t quite fit and feels awkward. The choices they made to tone down the eroticism of With You for TV, which didn’t quite work. And finally Ben Vereen. My God. Such a stunning performer, even in the most awkward of circumstances he is completely committed to his performance. Truly amazing. Thank you so much for finding and posting this!!!

[@auroraspiderwoman5886]

@Paul Canaday-Elliott: You have it exactly right in your comment. This is just a TV appearance, not the actual show, but I suspect it's the only footage of John Rubinstein as Pippin, and in a semblance of the original staging. In addition to the taped Toronto version, you can see the original cast in "Magic to Do" on the 1973 Tony Awards, even if it's not markedly different from the Toronto opening number.

[@EricMontreal22]

@@auroraspiderwoman5886 And of course we now have a copy of the Toronto special with the 20 minutes cut from its release--MUCH more satisfying and it deserves being cleaned up and released (the infamous producer/TV director of the original version claimed the cut footage had been destroyed...)

[@barbaraliebgott1446]

My sister and I saw this production when I was 14 and she was 11. We went backstage afterwards to get autographs. Surprisingly, John Rubenstein was kind and friendly to us, and Ben Vereen was the opposite. It seemed he couldn’t be bothered talking to two kids. I do have to say the show was fantastic.

[@constancemerwin8171]

I have seen John Rubinstein in recent interviews and performances via KZbin and he does seem friendly and accessible. I enjoy watching him in guest parts on TV shows and in films. He is still attractive, too, even in his 70s.

[@bulovapsb]

I’m sorry you had that experience with Mr. Vereen. I think it might have been a bad day for him, since, when I stage-doored after a performance in November, 1975 (I was 15) he was very gracious, signing autographs and speaking with the fans. He told us that when the week was up, he was heading out to California for a TV project, without naming it. In retrospect, that had to be “Roots”!

[@barbaraliebgott1446]

@@bulovapsbI’m glad you had a good experience.

[@zazuzazz5419]

Absolutely stunning snippet!!! Thrilling performances by original Movers and Shakers. Thank you for posting this.

[@justinflownow]

Just found this now. Wow!!! Such an amazing clip! I never got to see the OBC cast on Broadway but my sister did. I was so jealous.

[@cw9817]

I never caught it before, but I love the slyness and subtle malevolence in Vareen's "And it will!" and "Heh-heh. Yeah! It will."

[@showtunestarpower]

Thank you for this extended sequence from the original PIPPIN. It reminds me of why I loved this show in its original run - and why the revival just left me flat. The simplicity and sincerity of the work here is so full of heart. And how can you top Ben Vereen and John Rubenstein?

[@1fattyfatman]

I’m pretty sure they’ve been topped more than once ; )

[@johnfotia3356]

@@1fattyfatman NOPE. Never. I was there. Those who followed had their own take but John and Ben created the roles and will never be topped.

[@denis65]

Wow, just wow! Loved seeing, Ann, Candy, and Pamela. I didn't recognize the other two

[@auroraspiderwoman5886]

Thank you--Ann is unmistakable, but because this was in '73, I wasn't 100% positive about Candy Brown and Pamela Sousa.

[@willmcmillan1430]

The other female dancers are Jennifer Nairn-Smith and Kathryn Doby (in blonde wig offering fruit).

[@adart2496]

And THAT, folks, is how Arthur Rubinstein's son sings.

[@Zooba57]

What a treasure this is! Thanks so much! Too bad Rubenstein got stuck holding the mike during WITH YOU. But Awesome stuff.

[@SweatyOracle]

WOW another gem!!!! thank you!!!

[@victoriabarclay3556]

I was lucky enough to see Ben Vereen's one-man show. He was opening for the comic from Welcome back Kotter (Gabe Kaplan), so people were coming to see the comic. Ben Vereen brought the house down! He was astounding. poor Kaplan's audience was lukewarm after that.

[@cassiejordan2191]

Flawless

[@robertoayala]

Thanks.. so much.. it is all about timming... IT was such a great expirience 1973.. in New York.. I never saw the Buenos Aires cast. in Mexico city.. was a great show.. bit too soon 1974.. it did not well at all. The show here was great..

[@auroraspiderwoman5886]

I have to boast and say that I possess the 1974 Mexican cast recording LP. A lady called Julissa, playing Catherine, gets top billing.

[@marycrosby8317]

Is there ANY footage of the original grandma? (Irene Ryan) I would LOVE to see that!!

[@anthonyhenrysmith]

quite funny looking back

[@dominiquepalmer2265]

Would you happen to have any more footage of John Rubinstein as Pippin? I saw a clip of him singing corner of the sky in a documentary and now I want to see more lol

[@constancemerwin8171]

I cant find any more footage of him in the show, but on KZbin you can find him playing piano and singing Corner of the Sky. What a talent!

[@daniloconcha7178]

Wow que talento de Mr Vereen... Vi la ultima version de Pippin... Pero esta es muy buena tambien. Menos tecnologia pero el talento humano se ve igualmente

[@sophiehanssel2017]

John Rubinstein was so hot in the 70s

[@constancemerwin8171]

was he ever! and he still looks and sounds pretty good!

[@DCarr10760]

Wonderful! Though I have some notes for the lighting designer...

[@bulovapsb]

“When you frolic…you *reeeally* frolic!”

[@danromero]

Love this! Do you know what show this was on? I miss the days when Broadway shows got extended time on TV.

[@auroraspiderwoman5886]

The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.

[@simeonwitten3636]

is pam sousa the blonde?

[@adart2496]

This is some simple music, for sure.

[@buckregency3842]

Ted 2024 brought me here!

[@psdirenzo]

U can thank seth mcfarlane for this comment

[@totomarley1939]

The days before mikes were more strategically placed. The mike is getting the way...lol

[@ninth_revolution827]

Keep in mind that this was for a television performance- thus the mic setup was different. This show was actually a pioneer for strategically placed mics- Abe Jacob never got the credit he deserved for his use of stage mics and how the show was staged in such a way to keep actors in range of the mics. The only number to use a wired handheld microphone was No Time At All, which was not a result of technological limitations, but rather to fit with the style of the number.

[@Nacho-Mamma]

I've noticed that between the original production & the 1982 production, the lyrics for the first two verses of "With You" changed drastically. The new lyrics were a horrible mistake.

[@ninth_revolution827]

The lyrics for War is a Science and With You were done on Broadway as they were in the ‘81 Toronto production. The lyrics as they were originally written (evergreen pine and autumn blue) were used for the cast album, licensed version and in this television performance.

[@robstockton911]

Unfortunately, Stephen Schwartz has trouble leaving a good thing alone.

[@BalletBabyBoy]

They cut the sex ballet out unfortunately. So much fun to dance in this show. Later on "Calypso" was refined a bit. I love to teach it.