Jacob Kohrs rehearses in his role as the title character in “Piper” at KMC Onstage on Kleber Kaserne in Kaiserslautern on April 6, 2026. The musical will have its world premiere at KMC Onstage. (Ann Pinson)
A new musical from a local composer and military spouse is set to premiere at KMC Onstage this weekend.
“Piper,” written and composed by Avril Callicutt, is a family-friendly take on the Pied Piper myth featuring a cast of about 40 actors and a live band. Callicutt told Stripes Europe that the musical’s director, Amy Smolinski, encouraged her to take the leap of creating a show.
“I didn’t think that writing a musical was something that you just did,” she said. “I don’t think I ever thought it was an option, and I think that is one of those things growing up as a female in the music world. There are some things that you don’t even realize are possibilities.”
The production blends two timelines, one modern and one medieval, and emphasizes the importance of honesty and caring for others.
Performances are Friday through Sunday and April 17-29, Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., at KMC Onstage on Kleber Kaserne in Kaiserslautern. Tickets cost $18 for adults and $16 for ages 2-18 or 65 and older. Ticket reservations are available by calling KMC Onstage at 0611-143-541-9129.
Here’s a look ahead at the show:
Nathen Lewis and Avery Smith sing together during a rehearsal of “Piper” as Jacob Kohrs plays his pipe in the background at KMC Onstage on Kleber Kaserne on April 6, 2026. (Ann Pinson)
Al Church and Anna Domeier rehearse in their roles as the tax collector and the mayor’s wife in “Piper” at KMC Onstage in Kaiserslautern on April 6, 2026. (Ann Pinson)
Kevin Hogans sings during “Piper” rehearsal at KMC Onstage in Kaiserslautern on April 6, 2026. (Ann Pinson)
Iryna Osipova, Lynnie Aaron and Gigi Mayer sing during “Piper” rehearsal at KMC Onstage on April 6, 2026. (Ann Pinson)
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Mary Aaron and Kandel Baxter sing during rehearsal for “Piper” at KMC Onstage on Kleber Kaserne on April 6, 2026. (Ann Pinson)
Ari Etchell sits on a bench and Al Church leans on it as curious children and the Piper (Jacob Kohrs) seek the truth in “Piper.” (Ann Pinson)
Nathen Lewis sings during a rehearsal of “Piper” on April 6, 2026, at KMC Onstage on Kleber Kaserne in Kaiserslautern. (Ann Pinson)
Mackenzie Dager plays a teacher and Violet Markzon is a student in “Piper,” which will be presented by KMC Onstage April 10-12 and April 17-19. (Ann Pinson)
Nathen Lewis, Avery Smith and Anna Domeier sing during “Piper” rehearsal at KMC Onstage on April 6, 2026. (Ann Pinson)
Cast members dance during “Piper” rehearsal at KMC Onstage on April 6, 2026. (Ann Pinson)
April 7, 2026 11:06
