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'Encore': Kentucky arts school castmates fight inner demons to re-perform rousing version of 'Pippin'

Former students of Youth Performing Arts School, Louisville, Kentucky put together a drama-filled episode this week on 'Encore.'

Kristen Bell's 'Encore' is in its ninth week and every week it has consistently aired drama-filled, emotionally overwhelming episodes that not only help cast members tie up loose ends but leave them with a hope of a brighter tomorrow.

Everyone from Youth Performing Arts School, Louisville, Kentucky -- Jim, Philip, Karter, Dori, Kim, Michael, Vince, Kelly -- wanted to polish their showmanship skills but life took different turns for everyone, even for those who pursued performing arts for some time.

But life's funny. It brought a group of 50-year-olds with serious injuries together to re-perform 'Pippin,' a musical they had staged while in high school. Director Coy Middlebrook, music director Adam Wachter, and choreographer Ricky Tripp assisting them in their interesting 5-day journey. 

It may have been 35 years since they last met, the group had connections they are yet to forget. Kim and Philip dated in high school, but that ended after Kim had to leave for college. Karter was emotional when he thanked Jim for always being there for him in school and when he was struggling financially. Michael's was an interesting story - each of the members remembered him as this super talented artiste who could do everything - play the drums, do breakdance - but he chose to move to a completely different territory, which didn't serve him well later. 

Michael was in the army and during one of the training sessions, he got into a scuffle with another trainee and got shot, which resulted in life-changing injuries that he is yet to recover from. During the rehearsals, he suffered an episode where his blood pressure shot up and was immediately taken to the hospital. He had fallen sick and everyone was unsure if he would be back in time to perform the play. But he did -- up on his feet and ready to go. Talk about spirits! 

Amid all of this, Karter lost the plot and his performance wasn't coming through at all, which became a reason for worry for all because he was playing the lead along with Michael and it required him to be more assertive and aggressive in his display of emotions. Karter defended his reserved attitude to being out of practice and becoming rusty with time. However, former drama professor William Bradford was able to bring him back on track with his little pep talks here and there and since then it has been no looking back for Karter.

Kelly too had her own demons to fight and this play helped her overcome them. For the longest time, Kelly thought she was this ugly high school girl with whom no boy wanted to hang out, and because of which she would often cut classes. As she narrated how lonely she felt when in school, she cried a little. However, Kim was there to support her and encourage her that she should move on from the past and needn't worry about what happened because there are things she can do that other can't.

The castmates, after 5 days of rigorous practice sessions and costume trials, were ready to put the show together and they didn't disappoint. 'Pippin' redux was accepted with loud cheers and applaud from an enthusiastic crowd at the theatre and the cast and crew couldn't have been happier.