The bar has been substantially raised; musical theater has reached a new level of HIGH … literally and figuratively. This show hits heaven! The spectacular opening number (don’t dare be late) gets right to the point. A remarkable cast, led by the “Leading Player,” Patina Miller, in an amazing star turn, juicily welcomes their audience while joyfully taunting us….indeed, they’ve all got “magic to do” and “miracle plays to play.” Granted, a tall order but truer words have never been sung. By the show’s close you will be certain this breathtaking cast can turn water into wine. And you will thirst for refills.
I am talking about the current revival of the Stephen Schwartz (composer and lyricist) and Roger O. Hirson (book) 1970s musical “Pippin” which just opened at the Music Box Theater, my favorite Broadway space, I might add. Talk about razzle dazzle! This is what Broadway does best… song and dance at its most glam, but with an added element. The circus has come to town and firmly landed on the stage of the Music Box alongside some mighty talented Broadway performers who double, then triple as acrobats, magicians and trapeze artists. Talk about a 3 ring circus! What can’t they do? You don’t know where to look, there is so much happening — not only on stage but in the air. It’s like two shows for the price of one. The current director, Diane Paulus, had the legendary Bob Fosse to live up to as “Pippin”…it was a huge hit for him, and represents a substantial contribution to his remarkable Broadway legacy. She boldly followed her instincts and vision, and created a “Pippin” deservedly respectful of its illustrious past, while a perfect fit for the present, and hopefully heading for a long successful future on the “Great White Way.”
“Pippin,” admirably drawn by a charming Matthew James Thomas, is the story of the adolescent son of the medieval great King Charlemagne, played by that crafty Broadway veteran, Terrence Mann. His real life wife, Charlotte d’Amboise plays his stage wife, Fastrada, and needless to say, they make a fabulous couple – they are true Broadway royalty – both on and off the stage ~ Again, two for the price of one! Pippin has a tall crown to fill but he needs to find his own place in the empire, his own “corner of the sky.” What’s it all about, Pippin? A valid question and admirable quest, and he does a lot of living, learning and loving while seeking the answers which come from some unexpected places. The appeal of this show lies not necessarily in its clever but familiar plot lines, but in its brilliant musical numbers. Each song and dance number is a jaw dropper, and gleefully delivered with glorious gusto by a double jointed cast. Are these performers or pretzels?! There is fire not only on stage, but in their bellies.
However, these amazing production numbers are individually presented in such a powerful, singular manner now that the circus has come to town (credit and kudos to Gypsy Snider of “Les 7 doigts de la main”) to contribute their unique theatrics to the Broadway stage. You would think you had never been to a Broadway musical, this circus element adds such a fresh take to the genre.
While Pippin seriously seeks his place on the planet, it’s the character of Berthe – Pippin’s Grandma – played with a twinkle and an ample set of appealing antics by an amazing Andrea Martin, who steals the spotlight. Trying not to give anything away here in terms of plot and performance…..you must trust my judgment in this instance….. her solo number alone is worth the ticket price.
Stephen Schwartz, the composer and lyricist, has made his own remarkable contributions to the art form that is American Musical Theater….his “Godspell” revival just had a nice run on Broadway and “Wicked” looks like it will stay forever. His song “Meadowlark” from “The Baker’s Wife” still represents the standard for any aspiring Broadway soprano. How many vocal careers were launched from this song alone!
“Pippin” constitutes a delicious slice of the current Broadway season as well as representing a creamy layer of Broadway history. How many shows currently running (with all due respect to “Cinderella” and “Annie”) can make such a claim? Tickets are available and this highly charged show is hardly over charging (like some mediocre dramas with star power in their cast…you know who you are) and well worth a full ticket price although I have seen various ticket offers/discounts available. It’s an energy boost of a different nature and a jazzy compliment to the lovely Spring season finally showing its welcome face.
“Time to take time as Spring will turn to Fall in just no time at all.” Good advice sung and shared by Pippin’s wise Grandma….so listen to Grandma and try not to let this show get by you.
WHAT: Pippin
The Music Box
239 West 45th Street New York, New York
Contributed by Joanne Theodorou
Jessica Tiare Bowen lives in the juicy Big Apple with her adorable pink-nosed chihuahua, Gillman. He’s the inspiration for her first published children’s book, “Park Avenue Pound Puppy.” The book is the combined result of her two greatest passions: pooches and penning stories.
Her passions include art, urban hikes through Manhattan, drinking coffee with 3 creams and 6 sugars, making extremely detailed itineraries and traveling to far away places, singing along to Broadway shows, Netflix movie nights, discovering incredible treasures at Goodwill and thrift stores, and listening to stories from little people under 7 and big people over 70.
She started her career as New York City Teaching Fellow, teaching elementary school and theater arts at a special education school in the South Bronx for 6 years. She is now a Special Education School Improvement Specialist working in public schools throughout New York City. She is the Editor-In-Chief of the online New York City travel magazine, Used York City. The magazine focuses on finding the best of New York…as used by New Yorkers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and an ASPCA Ambassador.
