Pictured: Donterrio Johnson

Mercury Theater Chicago has announced a production of  Stephen Schwartz’s PIPPIN will run from October 11 through November 18 in its new Venus Cabaret Theater. The immersive production will feature Donterrio Johnson as the Leading Player, with L. Walter Stearns directing, Eugene Dizon providing musical direction and Brenda Didier offering the choreography.

Heir to the Frankish throne, the young prince Pippin is in search of the secret to true happiness and fulfillment. He seeks it in the glories of the battlefield, the temptations of the flesh and the intrigues of political power (after disposing of his father, King Charlemagne the Great). In the end, Pippin finds that happiness lies not in extraordinary endeavors, but rather in the simple moments that happen every day. Winner of four 2013 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival, PIPPIN first opened in 1972 and ran on Broadway for 1,944 performances. It features memorable songs such as “Corner of the Sky,” “Magic to Do,” and “Spread a Little Sunshine.”

The Mercury’s cast features Donterrio Johnson as the Leading Player, Nicole Armold as Catherine, and Koray Tarhan as Pippin. The ensemble includes Kayla Boye, Adam Fane, Don Forston, Iris Lieberman, Michael Rawls, and Sawyer Smith. The creative team includes Rachel Boylan (costume design), Dustin L. Derry (lighting design) and G. Max Maxin IV (video design).

Individual tickets range from $55-$65, include a cocktail toast and appetizers, and are available at www.MercuryTheaterChicago.com, 773.325.1700, or in person at the box office, 3745 N. Southport Avenue.