Earlier this year, we shared an article highlighting the seasons of various local theatre companies, including Phamaly Theatre Company. In it, Phamaly’s Artistic Director, Ben Raanan, announced the theme for the disability-affirmative theatre company’s 36th season: “Find Your Light.” Raanan explained that disabled individuals are often pushed aside and forgotten. His goal this season is to shine a light on them and their stories.

“Finding Your light” resonates with Pippin, Phamaly’s summer musical produced in partnership with the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. At its core, the show is about searching for meaning amid life’s chaos. Pippin, the protagonist in the show, thinks the “light” must be the spotlight, whether found through war, love, or political power. But as the story unfolds, he realizes that it is instead about recognizing the simple, often overlooked sources of light in life. Raanan elaborates, saying, “life doesn’t have to be extraordinary as long as it’s kind, supportive, and loving.”

Robert Michael Sanders

Robert Michael Sanders, the director of the show, adds to Raanan’s sentiment, describing how Pippin’s fear of being forgotten and his deep desire to find his “corner of the sky” are particularly meaningful for Phamaly. “This show is a little bit of a battle cry for Phamaly,” Sanders explained. “Everyone, regardless of disability, is trying to feel fulfilled and have a meaningful life.”

So, in true Phamaly fashion, this show redefines the concept of disability. Sanders, having acquired a disability later in life, underscores his personal connection to this show. “Having a life-altering thing happen overnight really recalibrated how I looked at things and how to make my own life fulfilled.” Through the rehearsal process, Sanders has witnessed the cast members discover their own connections and truly embrace what this show is about. Together, they created something Phamaly does best — something unexpected.

Adding a unique twist to this production, Sanders shared that the show features a “sketchy, dangerous carnival” aesthetic, inspired by a real, somewhat shady carnival near his home. Instead of a traditional big-top spectacle as depicted in other productions, Phamaly’s version embraces a gritty, carnival vibe, where all the players in the show are carny workers.

Phamaly Theatre Company’s Pippin

This atmosphere is both quirky and slightly chaotic, reflecting Pippin’s journey. Sanders admits to a childhood fear of clowns and carnivals, which influenced his creative vision. “Fun houses are terrifying to me,” Sanders shared. “I was always scared of the guy at the ring toss, so I wanted our people to be those characters.”

While Sanders’ own desire to bring Pippin to Phamaly comes from its suitability as a “Phamaly show,” aimed at surprising the audience, he hopes they walk or roll away with feelings of joy, hope, and a sense of family with an “F.”

Tickets for Pippin are now available, promising a unique theatrical experience that blends classic musical theatre, innovative staging, and a heartfelt message. As Raanan shared when explaining Pippin’s relevance to the season, “the light we seek is often right in front of us, in ourselves and those around us.”

DETAILS
Pippin
August 8 – 24, 2025 | Kilstrom Theatre

Phamaly Theatre Company presents Pippin.Tickets