Pippin

University of Idaho

Fall 2025

Pippin is a mystical, dark musical in which a young prince searches for meaning. It explores themes of love, war, power, and ultimately, fulfillment. Rio, the assistant costume designer for this production, designed the featured dancers of the “Glory” musical number and the scholar look for Pippin.

The “Manson Trio” players, inspired by Charles Manson and his cult, put on an offputting dance in Fosse’s style. Manson’s gruesome crimes occurred at the end of Flower Power idealism, and the dancer’s dark costumes represent that in a sea of glittering jewel-toned costumes. The sleeveless jacket of the masculine-presenting player alludes to the Nazi SS Bolt, a subtle (yet terrifying) nod to the fascistic beliefs of Manson himself. Rio designed the “Manson Trio” layers to be oppressive, visually appealing, and intimidating as they stand with the Leading Player.