Revamped Pippin in Seattle

[DayDreamer]

Posted: 5/8/06 at 1:26pm

Went to opening night of the new, revamped, Pippin in Seattle. Apparently this is a step towards what will ultimately be the revamped Broadway revival. I believe that there are four new songs... alas, I don't know the show as well as I'd like to be able to tell you which songs were added and which, if any, taken out.

Overall, I had a great time. It's a very fun show. I am looking forward to seeing it again sometime this week or next.

The most noticeable change is how it steps away from the staging/choreography by Bob Fosse. They tried to do something totally new. The problem with that is that when you're going to be compared to Bob Fosse's choreography and staging, you better come up with something amazing. The staging was overall interesting, but the choreography was quite bland. There was nothing overly exciting about it. There were several instances where I just wanted more. I know the talent is there... it just wasn't used.

There's a new ending, which I won't spoil. If you really want to know, PM me.

Performances
LOUIS HOBSON (Pippin) is a darling of the 5th, and I don't really know why. His Pippin was just there. Not that he's bad, he's just doesn't do it for me.

KEITH BYRON KIRK (Leading Player) was very good. I had fun watching him. To me, at least, he made the part his own.

KIM HUBER (Catherine), wonderful, I just wished she'd be showcased more. I wanted to see her more.

MIMI HINES (Berthe) - the highlight of the show.

JANE LANIER (Fastrada) - I don't know why I thought we saw a lot more of her than we did. She was fabulous in her one number.

TROY L. WAGEMAN (Lewis) - Another one I wish we saw more of. He was very funny, and commanded the stage when he was on.

Wow... this is the longest I have ever written about a show. Thanks for reading.

[sadiem100]

Posted: 5/8/06 at 1:30pm

Thanks for the review! I'm trying to get the under 25, day-of-show 20$ tickets for Saturday night.

[brdlwyr]

Posted: 5/9/06 at 12:16am

DD, My guess is that you did not like this production. I hope that what ever "magic" was not present can be infused before another try before Broadway! I have great hopes for a Pippin revival!

[Starburst]

Posted: 5/9/06 at 12:59am

Whoo. I'm not terribly familiar with the show...at all, but I'm also seeing it next Tuesday. Even with the less-than-specatular review, I'm willing to see almost anything big for $15. Thanks for reporting back! =)

[acrocksyo]

Posted: 5/9/06 at 1:07am

Good review. I can understand when people have amazing talent, and then they don't hire a good creative staff to utilize the talent. Thanks for posting, I may have to trek up to Seattle to check it out

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 5/9/06 at 1:13am

I saw it on opening as well. (Review should be up on BWW by Wednesday). In a nutshell, there were some good performances, but a very misguided concept and a weak Pippin made for a long evening. I also didn't realize how dreadful the book was until this production. The Schwartz score held up and sounded great, but it failed to improve upon or match Fosse's work.

Mimi Hines stopped the show. Pure genius.

[peach]

Posted: 5/9/06 at 10:41am

Thanks for the review!

I am waiting with bated breath for a Broadway revival of Pippin.

Although, I must say I'm a bit disappointed to hear that the choreography is bland. Does the Leading Player still have his moves a la Ben Vereen?

Even the high school productions of Pippin I've seen have tried to stay somewhat Foesse-esque.

Who is doing the choregraphy for this production?
Updated On: 5/9/06 at 10:41 AM

[DayDreamer]

Posted: 5/9/06 at 11:50am

brd (and peach)- don't misunderstand me, I enjoyed the show. I thought it was very entertaining. If I didn't have plans on Thursday, I'd go see it again. I think if the memory of Bob Fosse's staging/choreography wasn't so fresh (especially since I just saw the dvd a couple of weeks ago) it would be ok. But trying to reinvent a brilliant staging, you better do something out of this world. And it just felt average.

It was directed and choreographed by David Armstrong, who is the AD for the 5th. This is very much a local production with some 'names' in it. I'm pretty sure that once it's on the main highway to B'way they'll get a different director/choreographer. I certainly hope so.

[brdlwyr]

Posted: 5/10/06 at 7:41pm

Pippin is very dear to me and I plan to celebrate my 40th next year with a trip to NY for the revival.

Chester, thanks for the info! PM me in the future with more information.