Pippin the musical (photo:TerryShepiro)
Pippin is a musical that has “magic to do”…and does it well at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, running through November 9, 2014. It is spectacular, with breathtaking performances by singers and acrobats, but the heart of the story is a sweet, simple tale of a boy “trying to find his corner of the sky.”
The Pantages is presenting an all-new production of the direct from Broadway show with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked) and book by Roger O. Hirson, telling the tale of Royal Prince Pippin, son of Charlemagne, and Matthew James Thomas perfect in the role. The show is a journey of self-discovery which has Pippin encouraged by a mysterious group of performers to find that “corner of the sky.”
Matthew James Thomas as Pippin (photo:JoanMarcus)
The troupe of circus performers is led by the Leading Player (sassy Sasha Allen). Co-starring are John Rubinstein as King Charles (aka Charlemagne), sexy Sabrina Harper as Fastrad, Callan Bergmann as Lewis, and Kristine Reese as Catherine. Surprisingly nimble on the trapeze is Andrea Martin as Berthe, Pippin’s granny who does the show-stopping sing-along number “No Time at All.”
In addition to “Magic To Do” and “Corner of the Sky,” “Glory,” “Morning Glow,” and “Love Song,” are among the great songs from the show.
The revival of Pippin was the most nominated Broadway show of the 2013 Season, having received 10 Tony Award nominations including Best Musical Revival. And the exquisite show can best be described as having the exciting essence of a Bob Fosse musical morphing into Cirque Soleil.
King Charles & Fastrada (photo:TerryShapiro)
The legendary Bob Fosse actually directed the original Pippin which premiered on Broadway in 1972 (with John Rubinstein in the title role), and made Ben Vereen a star. This exciting American Repertory Theater production is directed by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus and features choreography by Tony Award nominee Chet Walker in the style of Bob Fosse. The show’s incredible circus highlights are created by Gypsy Snider of the famous Montreal-based circus company Les 7 doigts de la main (also known as 7 Fingers).
The grace and beauty of the story and the circus acts sprinkled throughout Pippin add to its awesomeness. Go see it. For information go to www.HollywoodPantages.com. #
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