Pippin
October 6-11, 2015 at The Schuster - PIPPIN is Broadway's high-flying, death-defying hit musical!
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Pippin
REVIEW BY MIKE WOODY
I went to a musical and a circus broke out. That’s how I felt during PIPPIN, an exhilarating show filled with tremendous high flying, death defying acrobatics, with a touch of magic, plus some spine tingling music. I kept looking for a parade of elephants to cross the stage, and would not have been surprised, as that’s the level of wonderment that PIPPIN provides. SPOILER ALERT: There are no elephants, just a duck and a cute puppy. There is certainly never a dull moment in PIPPIN with its flurry of activity, which seizes your attention from beginning to end. PIPPIN remains at the Schuster Center through October 11.
Beneath all the acrobatics, added to this revised version, PIPPIN is the story of a young Prince in search of a fulfilling life purpose. The title character tries everything, from being King to the ministry, and nothing satisfies him. The role of Pippin is played by Brian Flores, who is extraordinary. In times of both personal victory and defeat the character in perfect balance by Flores.
I didn’t always fully understand what was going on plot-wise, but that’s with no fault to the Leading Player (Narrator), Gabrielle McClinton. McClinton has a very strong personality and with a domineering stage presence, she demands your attention. She is an absolute perfect fit for the role, as well as for her form fitting costume. McClinton is as wonderfully devilish as she is endearingly charming, is practically perfect in every way (Ooops, wrong musical). It’s hard to attract attention when someone else on stage is twirling in a hoop, twenty feet up in the air, but McClinton manages to do so, and not just from how she wears her costume. Her voice and dance moves never miss a beat as a true Leading Player.
It’s now hard to imagine what PIPPIN was like without the added circus element, kind of like the presidential election race without Trump…not nearly as entertaining. Much credit goes to the Montreal based group who brings a whole other dimension to the show. In nearly every scene, some breathtaking stunt is being performed that leaves you amazed. A plethora of Olympic level acrobatic acts are performed including; body contortions, balancing on hands, standing on heads, and jumping through hoops (literally). Tremendous feats of strength and balance appear routine. They use large exercise balls for much more than just sitting on (I thought that’s what they were for) and swing from a trapeze with the greatest of ease. Truth be told, the acrobats have the talent to be a whole show themselves, and one I would want to see. With PIPPIN you get two shows in one.
The show also features some impressive magic, such as a levitating body that suddenly disappears and a pair of legs, without an upper body that walks across the stage. It provides an anything is possible type of feeling, which adds an extra layer of excitement.
In just one scene Berthe (Priscilla Lopez), Pippin’s grandmother, nearly steals the show with her antics, including a captivating aerial act. Her stunts would be impressive by a twenty-something, but are my mind blowing from a woman of her age. She also leads the crowd in a large karaoke type sing-along.
Special mention must also be given to Fastrada (Sabrina Harper), a quick change artist who dazzles with her singing of ‘Spread a Little Sunshine.’ Don’t blink, or you’ll miss one of her costumes. A fun fact you should know, John Rubenstein (King Charles), originated the role of Pippin in 1972. His years of experience is evident through his masterful performance. The second act is blessed with the delightful Catherine (Bradley Benjamin), who provides both some comedic relief and a voice that’s as divine as her smile. There is some darkness in PIPPIN but Catherine is certainly a bright spot.
It’s a total testament to the actor when a small part makes a big impression. In a barnyard scene, Borris York plays a chicken, and is clucking good at it. His clucks elicits more of a response from the audience than many of the shows recited lines. Each is cluck is given with the proper infliction. York is so touching as the chicken that I am swearing off of wings for at least a month…or maybe a week, it’s football season.
I must also make mention of Theo, played by Jake Berman on opening night, who brought talent beyond his years, especially in the Finale. The Finale is hyped to be an unforgettable experience, and it is certainly classic theatre in its purest form. The stage is basically stripped down and there is nothing on display except emotion, in its rawest form. I’ve never heard such silence in the Schuster Center, which speaks loudly of the tension in the room.
There is a lot to see and feel in PIPPIN. Is it the greatest show on earth? I’m not going to tell everything. You have to go and decide that for yourself. PIPPIN remains at the Schuster Center through October 11.
October 6-11, 2015 at The Schuster - PIPPIN is Broadway’s high-flying, death-defying hit musical! Full of extraordinary acrobatics, wondrous magical feats and soaring songs from the composer of Wicked, PIPPIN will lift you up and leave you smiling. This unforgettable new production is the winner of four 2013 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival. Hailed as “an eye-popping, jaw-dropping extravaganza” (NY1), it’s unlike anything Broadway has ever seen! Come experience PIPPIN, one young man’s journey to be extraordinary.
AGE RECOMMENDATION:
We program the series for adults and young people age 13 and older. Our policy is children under the age of 6 will not be permitted. Occasionally a particular production will include content that is generally not suitable for those under the age of 17. For the consideration of all patrons, children on laps and/or babes in arms are not permitted at Victoria Theatre Association Broadway presentations.
Photos: Pippin
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