When Susquehanna Stage presents "Pippin" this month, be prepared for anything on stage. "Audiences can expect a broad spectrum of experiences while they watch this show," said Gerson Malave, who plays the Leading Player. "You'll see everything from magic on stage to life lessons."

"Pippin" follows the story of the title character and his search for meaning. "It's about a guy who is trying to find his purpose in life," explained Ryan Kimbark, who plays Pippin. "He wants to pursue his passion and figure out what he's going to do and how he fits in."

Kayleigh Jarkowsky, who plays Catherine, said "Pippin" is full of action. "It's going to be a very visual show," she remarked. "You're going to see a lot of magical moments. ... You're going to be on the edge of your seat the whole time."

"Pippin" is Susquehanna Stage's first production of 2021, and it features a cast of 22 who range in age from 15 to 18, along with one young boy who is 7. For Maddie Ciliento, who plays Fastrada, the show offers a chance to perform for the first time since the pandemic canceled live theater. "The magical aspect of this show is what drew me to it," she stated, adding that as a recent high school graduate, she hopes to pursue musical theater as a career. "When you come back to live theater, you don't want your first show back to be boring. You want to make an impression, and this show does."

Ryan, who is a junior at Lancaster Mennonite High School, said even though he participated in some virtual shows over the past year, he's excited to get back to performing in front of an audience. "I have missed live theater so much," he noted. "There is an energy that comes from having a live audience, and that makes it so much fun."

Gerson, who is a junior at Donegal High School, explained that he learned about auditions at Susquehanna Stage through a friend who regularly performs with the company. "Being a part of live theater has brought me so much happiness," he stated. "I just love it."

Director Jim Johnson said "Pippin" makes a natural choice for a cast of teens because of its themes. "It's a story of finding fulfillment and searching for your life goals," Johnson stated. "I think that's very applicable to young people. They're trying to figure out where they fit in, too."

"Pippin" also fits nicely into Susquehanna Stage's season, which focuses on "metatheater," or shows within shows. Upcoming productions include "Noises Off" in June.

"Noises Off" was originally scheduled to be performed earlier this year, but it was postponed due to the pandemic. Because the set had already been built on the theater's main stage, "Pippin" will be performed in the smaller gallery space at 133 W. Market St., Marietta, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Friday, May 14, through Sunday, May 23. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.susquehannastage.com.