PIPPIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm restraining from typing all my thoughts in all caps, but I really do feel like shouting this from my rooftop for all of 9th Ave to hear: GO SEE PIPPIN!!! (If you can still buy a ticket.)
People often ask on this site why we are critical of so many shows, yet keep coming back for more. A big part of the answer is to experience something like what happened tonight at The Music Box. Pippin is joy. Pure joy.
Let me start with the two big changes from Boston. Extraordinary is now extra, extra special. Paulus, the brilliant woman that she is, has turned it into a production number (I won't spoil how) and it plays like gangbusters. What once passed by quickly now threatens to stop the show.
The finale has also been reconceived. The feat that Pippin is asked to perform is much more exciting and daring. (The hoop with the fire was a tad lame in Boston.)
Rachel Bay Jones has a new dress too.
Ok, so after seeing it in Boston I thought there was no way to make it better, but Paulus makes me eat even those words of praise.
And this cast. I know so much has already been said, but I loved each and every one of them. Matthew James Thomas, who I thought was missing a slight something before, upped his game and had me rooting for him much more vigorously than I was before. The supporting cast no longer shine a little bit brighter, but shine equally with him.
Patina, that wicked woman, may have just sucker punched the dreams of 4 little seven year old girls tonight. She is sleek, menacing, sexy and above all magical. Every gay molecule in my body worships her (and wants to be her).
Andrea Martin- well what's there to say. As someone mentioned she received a full standing ovation for "No Time At All." I hope no one spoils what happens during that number, but it's a full 5 minutes of Broadway razzle dazzle.
Rachel Bay Jones is winning as Catherine, and if you think that role is boring and throwaway you will be shocked at what she does with it. You can completely see why she is able to compete in Pippin's heart with all the circus goings on of act one.
Charlotte and Terrance have both tweaked their performances wringing laughs and fun out of every line.
I don't know how then ensemble will do two show days. They are working so hard and making it look so easy.
I apologize for unabashedly gushing, but I unabashedly loved it. I can't recommend this strongly enough, but please don't buy any tickets until I've had a chance to go back to the box office tomorrow morning and by a few more sets of tickets for myself.
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!