Review: PIPPIN at Newbury Park High School Performing Arts

A Clean, Crisp, and Entertaining "Pippin" Plays at Newbury Park High School!

With many previous high school productions of "Pippin" produced in the past year, throughout the county, I am confident in expressing that this production is the most even, energetic, and all-around thorough version this reviewer has seen.

With a catchy 70's inspired score by Stephen Schwartz, "Pippin" tells the story of a young man trying to find his place in the world amid chaos, family, strife, and difficult choices and from the get-go...the cast of over 40 performers grabs the attention of the audience with a most exuberant, stylized, and focused version of "Magic To Do" (lead by Kylie Vincent, a very entertaining Leading Player). From then on, it is a romp-of-a-show that takes the audience on an E-ticket ride full of campiness, sauciness, and talented young musical theatre performers who have put their heart and soul into this production...and it shows.

As the title character, Colin Grumney makes a very strong Pippin. He is a performer full of life with a voice to match. Alison Martinez (Catherine) is a performer of polish and professionalism who jibes with Grumney and their scenes together are a joy to watch and listen.

Other standouts include Charlemagne (a campy and over the top Sam Herbert), Fastrada (deviously played by Miranda Barraza), Lewis (dropping-it-like-it's-hot by Carlos Idea), and Berthe (a wonderfully unique take by Megan Morales).

With a concept and vision mirroring and paying homage to the original production and Mr. Fosse's choreography (recreated by SDC Member Jeff Wallach), Director Marilyn Strange brings together and assures that the production's design elements are as much of a cast member as the cast members, themselves. Kudos to designers Max Oliver (Costumes), Julia Berman (Lights), Leah Zweig (Hair and Makeup), and Brenda Herron (Set).

This production is a little darker than most and does include some adult situations and language and is NOT recommended for younger audiences.

With a professional live orchestra (led by Music Director, Paul Taylor) "Pippin" plays thru Saturday November 12 at the Newbury Park Performing Arts Center, 456 Reino Road

Newbury Park 91320. www.nphstheatre.com