Review: PIPPIN Brings Visually, Emotionally Stunning Circus to Orlando

By: Apr. 22, 2015
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When the curtain hiding the big top is dropped after the opening verses of PIPPIN's first song, it reveals one of the most stunning visual tableaus you will ever see on stage. Acrobats, contortionists, clowns, and dancers line the colorful stage in a dazzling array of theatrical magic. However, as breath-taking as the opening scene is, the musical's impact runs far deeper than just its attractive surface. The show possesses palpable wit, passion, emotion, and a message that should impact theatre-goers of all ages. PIPPIN is, by far, the most exhilarating touring show to come through The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in its first season as host of Orlando's Broadway Series. This visually and emotionally satisfying gem runs through this Sunday, April 26th; don't miss your chance to experience this beautiful corner of the musical theatre sky.

Framed by a narrator (The Leading Player) and her performers, the musical by Stephen Schwartz (music and lyrics) and Roger O. Hirson (book) tells the story of the eldest, beloved son of Charlemagne, the king who united much of Europe into the Holy Roman Empire on Christmas day in 800 A.D. Being the son of a man known as "Charles the Great" has given young Pippin a healthy dose of insecurities. After finishing school at the top of his class, he is determined to find a fulfilling use for his life; something that will allow him to be the extraordinary individual that he knows he is capable of being. His search for purpose leads Pippin on a number of journeys, some literal, and some emotional. Along the way, Pippin must decide if being fulfilled necessarily requires him to live an extraordinary life. Ultimately, this deceptively deep musical celebrates the simple joys that many of us often overlook.

After originally opening on Broadway in 1972, earning five Tony Awards, PIPPIN was revived in 2013 under the direction of Diane Paulus. In collaboration with Gypsy Snider, of the French-Canadian troupe Les 7 doigts de la main, Paulus reimagined The Leading Player's band of performers as a wandering circus, earning another four Tonys in the process.

Despite PIPPIN's new circus setting and familiar show tunes; including "Magic to Do," "Corner of the Sky," and "No Time at All;" there is a sinister undercurrent to the musical that grows as the story moves towards the promised unforgettable finale. While those familiar with Fosse's original will not be surprised by the darker elements of the show's content, it can be rather unsettling at times; especially juxtaposed with the troupe's otherwise joyous performances. For example, Fosse choreographed a dance, complete with skimmer hats and canes, for three dancers that he called "The Manson Trio;" yep, named after that Manson. While PIPPIN's shadows are almost always just beneath the surface, they lead to a finale that is even more powerful than The Leading Player anticipates.

PIPPIN's touring cast is a fantastic, multi-generational blend of the best of the Broadway and circus worlds. As The Leading Player is Sasha Allen, who, in addition to appearing as Dionne in the Broadway cast of HAIR, was also a finalist in the fourth season of NBC's THE VOICE. Allen has a phenomenally powerful voice, and as The Leading Player's intentions become clearer, she becomes more and more unnerving. While her diction was a bit muffled at times, she more than filled the jazz hands of her Tony-winning predecessors Ben Vereen and Patina Miller.

As Pippin, Sam Lips (who understudied the role on Broadway) does his best to embody the awkward, pouty young man, unsure of where he wants his life to take him. However, his boy-band good-looks and physique make it difficult to see him as a somewhat nebbish lost soul. Lips' opening song, "Corner of the Sky" is sung with an exceptionally clear voice, but as the show went on, it seemed that the role's physicality put a strain on his voice, especially in Act II's high-energy "Extraordinary."

The remainder of the featured cast is extremely talented. Tony-winner John Rubinstein, who originated the title role over 40 years ago, now takes on the role of Charles. While his voice isn't as strong as it once was, his goofy, yet stern, approach to the role provides as many laughs as ever. As Charlemagne's mother Berthe, Tony-nominee Adrienne Barbeau (Broadway's original Rizzo in GREASE) is sensational in her limited stage-time. Again, her voice is not what is was 40 years ago, but the stunts she pulls off while singing "No Time at All" would be impressive for someone a quarter of her age.

Rounding out the royal family are the sublime Sabrina Harper as Pippin's under-handed step-mother Fastrada and Callan Bergmann, as her son, the dashing, yet dim-witted Lewis. Both are very enjoyable, and Harper delivers a fantastic rendition of "Spread a Little Sunshine."

When Kristine Reese takes the stage as Catherine in Act II, the show receives its only real-world breath of fresh air. Amidst the wonderfully over-the-top performances from the troupe, Reese's quirky, down-to-earth performance grounds the story as the moral begins to take shape. While in an ensemble show like PIPPIN it is difficult to single out one performance, Reese's Catherine was without a doubt the most impactful.

In the city of Orlando, we are used to outstanding circus performances, but the immediacy of Snider's players give new meaning to the greatest show on earth. From silks, to trapeze, to hula-hoops, to stunts, and more, PIPPIN's action and artistry is unparalleled. Chet Walker choreographs the dances in the style of Fosse (in fact Fosse's "Manson Trio" routine is retained). All of the dances maintain the subtle, yet evocative sexuality of the originals.

My only complaint about this wonderful production is that there is often so much going on around the stage, that it can become difficult to focus. While the wing-to-wing action more than enhances some of the larger, presentational numbers, when it comes to the intimate, story-focused songs, it can be a bit distracting. That and some sound balance and mixing issues were the only low notes of the night.

PIPPIN's circus is only in town for the remainder of the week, so don't miss your chance to witness this visual and emotional extravaganza. You can purchase tickets on the Dr. Phillips website or call 407-839-0119. Tickets start at $33.75.


Did you venture under the big top with Pippin? What did you think of this reimagined tale? Let me know what you thought in the comments below, or by "Liking" and following BWW Orlando on Facebook and Twitter. You can also chat with me about the show on Twitter @BWWMatt.

Photo Credit:
1) The Cast of PIPPIN: Terry Shapira
2) Sasha Allen and the Cast of PIPPIN: Terry Shapira
3) The Manson Trio; Borris York, Sasha Allen, and Mathew deGuzman: Terry Shapira



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