NEW MILFORD — Long before composer Stephen Schwartz’s mega hit Wicked became a worldwide phenomenon, Schwartz wrote a different pseudohistorical musical, Pippin.

Director Francis A. Daley has brought the latter to life once again in a lively new production now playing at TheatreWorks New Milford. Pippin tells the fictitious tale of King Charlemagne’s firstborn son and his search to find his purpose in life. It does so through the convention of a traveling theater troupe putting on a show.

While Schwartz wrote the music and lyrics, the book was written by Roger O. Hirson, with contributions from the show’s original Broadway director, Bob Fosse. Yes, that Bob Fosse, who also directed and choreographed the original production.

The newly mounted production at TheatreWorks New Milford brings Schwartz’s and Fosse’s playground of eclectic characters to life. The audience is guided through the story by Leading Player, portrayed with delightfully deranged enthusiasm by Erin Walsh, who moves about the stage in a Fosse-esque rhythm. The audience can’t help but hang on her every move.

The role of Pippin is taken on by what the audience is led to believe is a brand-new actor to the troupe. Zane Paros Gerson portrays young Pippin, the audience’s stand-in for an everyman. He beautifully delivers the show’s most iconic song, “Corner of The Sky.”

There are a handful of times throughout the show where the audience also gets a quick glimpse of his dance skills. Each time it leaves the audience wanting more. He has a bright future in musical theater.

Kristen Ashley Ragusa plays Fastrada, Pippin’s stepmother. Hands down, she steals the show. Every time she is on stage she brings a Jenny Slate-esque joy to her character. Her comic timing is second to none and gets every morsel out of each line.

The comic relief doesn’t stop there. Broadway vet Lisa Passero brings warmth and levity as Pippin’s Granny Berthe. Her performance of “No Time at All” is an audience favorite.

Roger Grace delivers an entertaining performance as King Charlemagne. Grace is tasked with probably the show’s most linguistically challenging song and absolutely delivers. That number is a joy to watch.

In Act Two, audiences meet Catherine, Pippin’s love interest, played by Brianna Mattingly. She made fresh choices, which invigorated the role.

Joshua Violette, with the accompaniment of a duck puppet, plays Catherine’s young son Theo. While he has very few lines he nevertheless makes a big impact.

The production features a stripped-down ensemble, which works very well. Their synergy with each other really makes the audience feel as if this is a traveling theater troupe with a long history together. They fill the stage with effortless dance and acrobatics.

Kudos to Daley for his direction.

If you need a costume, Sue Haneman is now the go-to in the area. Her costumes never disappoint. Leif Smith oversaw production design for this show. His use of light and shadows throughout the show on the stage’s proscenium brings mysterious fun.

The show’s opening number, “Magic to Do,” invites the audience to “come and waste an hour or two…” on a storytelling journey. There’s no better way to do that than TheatreWorks New Milford’s current production of Pippin.

Performances continue weekends through August 5 at 5 Brookside Avenue in New Milford. Visit theatreworks.us for tickets and other details.