“Pippin” Ends Run Today at Benedum; “The Boy Next Door” Starring Jennifer Lopez Now Screening (CPs Sun., 1/25/15)

Sasha Allen (arms spread) is the Leading Player in the spectacularly hooped-up new version of “Pippin.”

1) Long ago in early medieval France there lived a prince who hoped to be king. He never knew that his ultimate fate was to be the subject of a Broadway musical. Pépin, a son of Charlemagne, aspired to his father’s throne but lost out in the intrigues of the time. Centuries later, composer Stephen Schwartz turned the story into Pippin, a surreal musical tale about a young man’s quest for identity and meaning in life. An initial version played at Carnegie Mellon University in 1967 when Schwartz was a student there. Reworked for Broadway by Schwartz and librettist Roger O. Hirson, Pippin became a hit in the 1970s. Now comes the traveling production of an amped-up Pippin, which won the 2013 Tony Award for Best Musical Revival. With acrobatics by the Montreal circus troupe Les 7 doigts de la main (7 Fingers of the Hand), it’s a dazzling show. Ends today with performances at 1 and 6:30 p.m. Benedum Center, 237 7th St., Cultural District.

2) The Boy Next Door stars Jennifer Lopez as a divorcee who takes a liking to a friend of her son. The relationship gets far more physical than it should and J-Lo finds out that the young man is something of a psychopath … if it isn’t one thing it’s another, right? Directed by Rob Cohen, the man who brought you The Fast and the Furious and The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. Also starring Kristen Chenoweth and John Corbett. Check Fandango for your local megaplex.

3) The Steel Cactus on Walnut Street is open for Sunday Brunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.—perfectly timed to get you filled up and out before your Sunday activities. The brunch menu includes Huevos Rancheros, Spicy Southwest Omelet, Fajita Breakfast Burrito, Breakfast Nachos, Steak and Eggs, Pancake of the Week, and French Toast served with eggs and bacon or sausage. “Salud!” with a Bloody Mary or Mimosas. 5505 Walnut St., Shadyside.

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