But unlike his peers, he gets to act out his thoughts in an onstage musical adventure called Pippin. The Arlington High School drama department will be performing the Broadway play this month.

Josh Basher, who plays the title role, and Emily Hawks, who plays Pippin’s grandmother Bertha, saw the musical on Broadway two years ago.

“It was a newer version with a lot of bright colors,” Hawks said.

They told school drama teacher Scott Moberly they would like to do it. Moberly, it just so happens, directed the play about a decade ago.

So when they decided they couldn’t do “Guys and Dolls” because there wasn’t enough space to build the sets, they picked Pippin instead.

“Pippin’s struggling to find his place in the world, until he stumbles on his path,” Basher said. “He finds out it’s OK not to have all the answers and take it day by day.”

Moberly said Pippin tries to be a lover and a fighter and more, “but it doesn’t work for him. He eventually finds out that everything will take care of itself.”

Basher said he is enjoying performing the lead role, after playing supporting roles in two previous musicals, which are his favorite type of play.

“You show more skills – acting, singing and dancing,” he said.

He also likes how his character grows as a person in the play.

“I like … how there is a difference in what he values, how he acts and how he treats people,” he said. “He realizes there is more to life than being successful and there is joy and love to be found in other people.”

Along with upbeat dancing, singing, general fun and frivolity, there are deeper messages in the musical. The play has political overtones.

“It has an anti-war vibe,” Moberly said. “But the fact that things haven’t changed much in forty years speaks volumes.”

The director said he cast the play in November, and there were a few rehearsals last year, but most of the work started in January.

The musical was originally done in the 1970s, in the era of “Hair” and “Godspell.” But it was revived on Broadway in 2013 and won a Tony award.

“They waited long enough that it was retro and cool,” Moberly said. “Even though it was done before, a new generation has seen it now. There’s some old stuff from my youth infused with some new energy.”

Choreographer Miranda Quinton’s routines definitely are from the 1970s, with dancers bopping around with contagious smiles.

“They are getting more and more comfortable at getting out of their shells,” she said. “I’ve told them, ‘I need you to go out there and be crazy.’”

Student Raven Yoes has been teaching tap to others for a routine she developed for the play to replace an old soft-shoe dance.

“It’s been my project. It’s been fun to watch them grow,” said Yoes, who has been taking tap since she was 6.

Andrea Ramirez has had fun in her role as the Leading Player.

“She’s a dark, manipulative person – a master puppeteer,” Ramirez said of her character.

Yoes said the dancers are like dolls to Ramirez.

“She takes control,” Yoes said. “We try all together to bring an ominous vibe.”

Hawk said it’s the third time she’s played an older woman in a play.

“It’s a special gig,” she said of her talent. “I like the verbal, and the walking.”

It’s also her job to try to get the audience to sing along in one part of the play. That could be a challenge, she added.

“I’m hyped for it,” she said. “The message is to, ‘Start Living.’”

Moberly said the cast has been working extremely hard.

“They own it,” he said. “Nobody will ever out-work us.”

As usual, the actors are excited about being a part of a competition put on by Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theater.

“It’s the drama equivalent of going to state,” Moberly said.

He added that judges from the theater will be coming to a performance. Arlington has had some individuals win awards in the past, but they are hungry to win best play, Moberly said.

“With that, everybody gets recognition for their work,” he said. “The students are focused as a group. Everybody’s bringing their game up.”

 

HOW TO GO

The play will be performed at the Byrnes Performing Arts Center at the high school March 11-12 and 18-19 at 7 p.m., with a 1 p.m. matinee March 19 only. Doors open a half-hour before the show. Cost is $10; seniors and students are $8. Tickets will be available online at byrnesperformingarts.org or at the door.

As a new twist, the public can follow Pippin from rehearsals to opening night, featuring cast interviews, rehearsal footage and pictures. People can follow the action on Twitter at @AHS Pippin