A Conversation with Pippin’s “Leading Player,” Matthew Wagner
I called Matthew at a reasonable hour on a Saturday morning because, let’s be honest, we show folk are not exactly “morning people.” It was a good choice. We were both well-caffeinated and ready to converse.
Matthew is performing the role of “Leading Player” in Lundeen Productions’ summer musical, “Pippin” running July 9-12, 17-20 and 23-26 at the Harbor City International School in Duluth. “Pippin” is under the direction of Sheryl Jensen, who last worked with Matthew in the Duluth Playhouse production of “RAGS.”
I started by asking Matthew what brought him back to Duluth, his home town, following his success in New York. He did Broadway national tours of 42ND STREET, CRAZY FOR YOU and EVITA before returning to the Twin Ports.
MW: It was a combination of factors. The Broadway experience wasn’t quite what I had hoped, I missed my family. I felt really pulled back to the area.
VM: How does the talent pool here compare to working in New York?
MW: The talent pool has grown immensely here since I was younger. What I love about working here is that people have this hunger to do their absolute best work. They fill the stage, there are no dead spots. The people are so passionate, and the vocal talent is spectacular. The arts scene here is so open and creative. It’s really exciting.
VM: This is your 3rd show with Sheryl Jensen. What’s it been like working with her again?
MW: I love working with Sheryl… she’s great. And she’s assembled an amazing cast. We actually get to rehearse where we’re doing the show, which is really nice. In New York, you often only get a few rehearsals in the space before you open. And here, as the layers of the show are added – sets, costumes, props – it all just makes the world we’re creating more real. And it really allows for the cast to build trust in each other.
VM: In addition to being a dancer and actor, you’re also a teacher. Jazz, tap, ballet, musical theater classes – talk a little about your work at Madill Performing Arts Center.
MW: I’ve been so surprised by the eagerness of students to learn new things and do everything. It’s incredibly rewarding to see them grow. It’s amazing. I love it.
VM: What would you like to tell people about the story of “Pippin?”
MW: I think audiences will relate to Pippin’s journey. Pippin wants to lead an extraordinary life, he wants to seek out great things, and this company of traveling players inspires this journey for him. My character (Leading Player), and the other cast members, fill a variety of roles as Pippin’s story unfolds. The music is great, the dancing is outstanding, and I think audiences will really enjoy it.
The rest of the “Pippin” cast includes: Erin Miller, Ken Ahlberg, Dani Stock, Mary Lee, Josiah Thompson, Ben Westholm, Adrianna Ball, Keyla Lynn Peters, Eva Goellner, Paige Kohler, Marianne Peterson, Mary Myers, Caylin Coen, Adrianna Bail, Rylee Kuberra, Peter Froehlingsdorf, Thomas McDanel.
“Pippin” runs July 9-12, 17-20 and 23-26 at the Harbor City International School in Duluth, directed by Sheryl Jensen for Lundeen Productions. For more information or to order tickets, visit www.lundeenproductions.com or call 218-727-1177
