g.d., I turned pm on.
Okay, so here are some thoughts on seeing Pippin today. What a truly incredible show! This is definitely a must see. It seems they've kept all the things that made it dark, and I felt that the whole thing tied wonderfully together with the circus performers. There were some nice little surprises throughout the show with both the magic and the acrobats.
The costumes were decent, make-up/hair, etc. was also well done. The circus performers wore the most makeup with some of the them having a little bit of a freakish clown effect to it. I really enjoyed some of the stunts they did.
All the actors did a great job in their roles. The standouts were Patina Miller, Andrea Martin, Terry Mann, Erik Altemus, and MJT. My wife and I were in the second row, so it was great to see them all up close. But I could see how sitting further back would make it easier to catch everything that is going on. Apparently Stephen Schwartz was in the theatre today too, but did not see him.
Magic to Do was awesome. When they lift the curtain part-way through the song, you get this rush from all the things taking place on stage. The energy is incredible. With all the dancing and the acrobatics, it is just fun to watch.
The talking head was funny. They must have hid that trap door well, because as close as we were to the stage, you could not tell that there was one there. All illusions were well done.
The orgy scene is good too. Different than the video for sure. A combination of acrobatics and dancing - along with the use of an animal cage. Maybe not quite as sensual, but I think that depends on the individual watching it. Costumes had to cover more than usual, probably because of the various acrobatics.
The music arrangements I thought were really well done and the orchestra sounded great. Everything sounded fresh and updated. Really liked how they closed out ACT I with Morning Glow in dramatic fashion. There are some nice musical arrangement surprises in this show as well. I look forward to the cast recording when it transfers.
SPOILER ALERT???
Andrea Martin just killed it onstage. The audience went crazy at the end of her song. She starts off wearing a modest outfit. Then at one point of her song, she throws it off to reveal a corset and matching whatever. As she's singing, she gets on the trapeze bar with one of the circus performers so that she is eventually suspended high in the air with him on the bar. Towards the end of the song, she is hanging upside down. It was entertaining to see and she looked great in that outfit! She just really got everyone going.
The Finale is spectacular as it should be. The ending used is the one where when Pippin and Catherine leave, Theo turns around to go back to the center of the stage and sings a bit of Corner of the Sky by himself. Then the players come back and sing Magic To Do. Even though the question “How do you feel?” is not asked, you really get the sense that Pippin is happy with them. Very well done.
** ALERT OFF **
So my only complaint is that it seems the whole scene in Act 2 with Pippin, Catherine, and Theo still needs something or some work. While it wasn't bad, it just drags a little with some of the pacing. I think since the other scenes are so dynamic, it doesn't come off as well.
Kudos to Diane Paulus and company. Looks like another hit on her hands. I hope to see it again before it leaves Cambridge.
Updated On: 12/21/12 at 09:04 PM
