Tuesday night I was thrilled to be able to see PIPPIN at The Fox Theatre. PIPPIN was the most nominated Broadway show of 2013 and won four 2013 Tony® Awards including Best Revival of a Musical. I was familiar with the music – perhaps from watching the Tony Awards, but I more likely heard the songs over the years in piano bars or on Broadway CD collaborations. The score is by Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Wicked), if that gives you any indication of what to expect musically. And it’s hard to believe this production marked the return to Broadway after 40 years! But 40 years ago – well, that means it hit Broadway in the 70s. The time of the rock musical, the disco era – this was NOT Rodgers & Hammerstein!
Pippin was one of legendary choreographer Bob Fosse’s first triumphs (previously Sweet Charity). It would be followed by Chicago. So think Vaudeville and Burlesque style-dancing. That’s Fosse’s style – and movement and dance, then and now, are at the heart of PIPPIN (the choreography is new but much of Fosse's imprint remains intact).
Pippin was one of legendary choreographer Bob Fosse’s first triumphs (previously Sweet Charity). It would be followed by Chicago. So think Vaudeville and Burlesque style-dancing. That’s Fosse’s style – and movement and dance, then and now, are at the heart of PIPPIN (the choreography is new but much of Fosse's imprint remains intact).
I've never seen the original version, but I’ve read it was much darker than this revival. Director Diane Paulus (who won the Tony® Award for Best Direction of a Musical) brought amazing color, unimaginable stunts, magic/illusions and...the circus..to this new telling of the show. The performers were spectacular - many having performed with Cirque du Soleil. Wait will you see these beautiful acrobatics, mind defying stunts and even magic/illusions. You will definitely wonder – how DID they do that!!?
Here’s a fun fact – actor John Rubinstein, who plays Charlemagne/King Charles in the current production – was the original Pippin on Broadway (1972)! He gave a masterful performance and clearly enjoys having another chance to perform once again in this entertaining musical.
But what's the story?
I KNEW the story was about a “boy” looking to find himself, and find fulfillment in his life. It’s the antithesis of Peter Pan. Pippin wants to grow up. And in this version – he most certainly does. Which brings me to the one important thing I will say in this review. This is a show for mature audiences. It is NOT for kids. That might confuse some as there is a version that has been adapted for high school productions. Make no mistake however – this is not that adaptation! In his search for his purpose in life, Pippin goes to war; he engages in a wide variety of sexual activity – after getting a little push to do so by his own grandmother (now that scene with Adrienne Barbeau as Berthe is something! Be prepared to sing along!). He even kills his father - only to regret it later. And the big one- he is nearly bullied into committing suicide. The question being - can you get fulfillment from an ordinary life? Or is being a martyr the ultimate source of fulfillment?
But don’t let this sway you from wanting to see PIPPIN. You will laugh, you’ll be amazed by the dancing and acrobatics, the beautiful costumes. The unusual “removal of the fourth wall” – where characters interact with the audience is particularly entertaining. Just don’t confuse Pippin with Peter Pan. Grab your tickets and enjoy the magic – with another adult.
ABOUT PIPPIN
The award-winning show is back for the first time since it thrilled audiences 40 years ago… With a beloved score by Tony nominee Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell), PIPPIN tells the story of a young prince on a death-defying journey to find meaning in his existence. Will he choose a happy but simple life? Or will he risk everything for a singular flash of glory. This captivating new production is directed by Tony winner Diane Paulus (Hair, The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess and Finding Neverland). It features sizzling choreography by Tony Award nominee Chet Walker in the style of Bob Fosse and circus creation of breathtaking acrobatics by Gypsy Snider of the Montreal-based circus company Les 7 doigts de la main (also known as 7 Fingers) the creative force behind the nationwide sensation “Traces”. PIPPIN is noted for many Broadway standards including “Corner of the Sky,” “Magic To Do,” “Glory,” “No Time at All,” “Morning Glow,” and “Love Song.”
PIPPIN, the most nominated Broadway show of 2013, won four 2013 Tony® Awards including Best Revival of a Musical, Best Direction of a Musical (Diane Paulus), Best Actress in a Musical (Patina Miller) and Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Andrea Martin). PIPPIN won four Drama Desk Awards including Outstanding Revival of a Musical, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Diana Paulus), Outstanding Choreography (Chet Walker and Gypsy Snider) and Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Andrea Martin). PIPPIN won seven Outer Critic Circle Awards including Outstanding Revival of a Musical, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Diane Paulus), Outstanding Choreographer (Chet Walker), Outstanding Lighting Design (Kenneth Posner), Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Patina Miller), Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical (Terrence Mann) and Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Andrea Martin). PIPPIN also won the Drama League Award for Outstanding Revival of a Musical.
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Visit the official website HERE
TICKETS
Tickets are on sale now, starting at $33, and are available by visiting foxtheatre.org/pippin, calling 1-855-285-8499 or visiting the Fox Theatre Box Office (660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308).
Performances run through Sunday, May 10
Thursday 7:30 p.m.
Friday 8 p.m.
Saturday 2 p.m., 8 p.m.
Sunday 1 p.m., 6:30 p.m.
* Disclaimer: I received complimentary tickets to Pippin for the purpose of this review. Opinions, however, are my own.
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* Disclaimer: I received complimentary tickets to Pippin for the purpose of this review. Opinions, however, are my own.
