Pippin previews start tomorrow- Page 4

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 3/24/13 at 4:13pm

Any merchandise on sale or pre-order info for the cast album?

[SweetLips]

Posted: 3/24/13 at 5:27pm

I will never visit Broadway again but the pleasure I gain from reading positive/negative/in-between comments on all shows are a wonderful substitute for actually being there.
Sincere thanks to all those who contribute.

Updated On: 3/24/13 at 05:27 PM

[GatorNY]

Posted: 3/24/13 at 5:57pm

I have a feeling that this is not going to be available on TDF...or at the TKTS booth for that matter. Fine with me, since I'd rather have the show enjoy a long run than be able to go as often as I like for $40.00.

[Famebroadway2]

Posted: 3/24/13 at 6:18pm

Pictures from Last night.



Main Curtain


Intermission

[KirbyCat]

Posted: 3/24/13 at 7:00pm

Wow, what a gorgeous Playbill! Can't wait to snag one for the collection.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 3/24/13 at 7:03pm

How come the title curtain isn't there for the beginning of the show? The opening curtain looks kind of bland compared to the intermission curtain.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 3/24/13 at 7:16pm

"...and thinking that Diane Paulus is everything that we'd expected Julie Taymor to be."

No. Not at all. For one thing, Julie Taymor would never say she always listened to the Pippin "soundtrack" growing up.

[supersam1026]

Posted: 3/24/13 at 7:21pm

Saw it in Boston and assuming it is at least similar on Broadway, but the reason for the opening curtain being different than intermission is because of the opening. Even though it is much more bland, it lends itself to a great moment during "Magic to Do". It's not a huge spoiler, but I don't want to say anymore! I'll let you experience that on your own!

[dramamama611]

Posted: 3/24/13 at 7:27pm

WE seem to be the only ones that seem to care anymore. Patina Miller said soundtrack at press day.

[somethininthestars]

Posted: 3/24/13 at 7:37pm

There definitely merchandise for sale, though i didn't see what there was other than small stuffed ducks. i think T-shirts.
They have guys walking around and selling them out of boxes (like snacks at the circus?) so you couldn't really see what was in them.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 3/24/13 at 8:10pm

I'm oddly hopeful about this.

Updated On: 3/24/13 at 08:10 PM

[MJPrice76]

Posted: 3/24/13 at 9:44pm

For anyone that's seen the show or familiar with the theatre, how is row B 22,24 of Mezz for this show? Too extreme side limited view or would row J center be better? Thanks

[dramamama611]

Posted: 3/24/13 at 9:55pm

Personally, I prefer center over extreme sides anytime.

[Up In One]

Posted: 3/24/13 at 10:45pm

"Well, Paulus did say that she was incorporating circus acts, so it only makes sense that the leading player takes on the role of ring master. And I think if the circus acts were too outrageous, it would take away from the story of Pippin and could turn the production into a mess. Also, I'm not familiar enough to know, but maybe using pyrotechnics is not the style of Gypsy Snider's troupe? In context for what Paulus is trying to do here, I think the circus acts fit in perfectly and work with the story telling."

I wasn't using pyrotechnics literally, I realize now it was a poor choice of words considering there are actually pyrotechnics in Pippin. I just meant the circus acts with the exception of Andreas (simply because she is doing it) and the centerpiece of the second act opener are low tech and not very impressive because we are exposed to so much circus these days.

As much as I love the songs in Pippin the book is a non-starter. The Bob Fosse staging and the performances it inspired were electrifying. I have suffered through many productions of Pippin through the years hoping to see that spark rekindled and always thought it was the difference between professional and non professional productions. Sitting at the Music Box it was even more evident what a magnificent job Fosse did because now not only do we have his essence in the choreography but we have another layer of circus work trying to mask the underlying book problems. It's almost overkill.

I was hoping this director's organic approach would elevate the show theatrically in a new way but what she has put up on the stage is just a different flavor of the Fosse original that is not as dynamic. Lets face it Fosse's touches inspired a lot of shouts of the emperor having no clothes, this production feels overdressed. I felt they should have either celebrated Fosse or found their own way - here we have watered down Fosse and watered down circus weighing heavily on a book that isn't prepared to support it.

I guess you can't go home again, we do have You Tube but there was nothing like experiencing the theatricality of Fosse's Pippin live. I felt the same way about Hal Prince's Follies. I always thought that production was ahead if its time so why not revive that production? Financial considerations aside. I would love for the younger theatre audiences of today to experience the original Pippin too. In many cases where the director was the reason or a large part of the reason for a show's success I think it could follow that the directors work be revived.

[djdan1079]

Posted: 3/24/13 at 11:13pm

I have to agree with Whizzer. I saw the production in Boston and also saw it last night. It's as exhilarating a night of theatre as I've seen in some time. I really liked the Boston production, but the changes and new bits all work. Furthermore, I think the actors have found a deeper connection to these characters. In particular, there seems to be more clarity in the Pippin/Catherine relationship. In Boston, I didn't really buy that relationship, and while both actors were great individually, I didn't believe them as a couple. That is not the case now. Patina absolutely sizzles every moment she is on the stage. She is not Ben Vereen, nor is she trying to be. That seems to irked a few of the purists on this thread, but her Leading Player stands on it's own. Highly recommended and it would be a shame if this doesn't win the best revival Tony.

[everythingtaboo]

Posted: 3/24/13 at 11:34pm

The pre-set curtain goes to the circus motif, so it's like your outside the tent about to go in - which is a stunning moment.

Merchandise I saw: magnet, silver keychain, hula hoop (in pieces), little duck, poster, pippin t-shirt and i think sweatshirt, and an "extraordinary" t-shirt (unless it was the back of the other t-shirt).

Saw the show tonight. Aside from some nagging mic problems whenever Patina's mic switch the "song" setting, and some costume issues with Charlotte, it was a spectacular evening. All I kept thinking was I want to see this over and over.

Note to seating, I was sitting 5th row (3rd row on orch sides) and that is really as close as I want to be. The house staff literally walked down to the folks 1st row center asking if anyone wanted a booster seat, and to come to them at intermission if they changed their mind.

[BwayFan4]

Posted: 3/24/13 at 11:46pm

The show is pretty incredible. I saw it tonight and it takes Pippin to a new level. It was groundbreaking in its day but Diane Paulus describes that she doesn't like doing museum pieces... She wanted to make it fresh and new. She succeeds admirably.

There is discussion by someone about flaws in the book. Hey...if you don't
like Pippin, then that's fine. But this production soars. The new arrangements are contemporary and gorgeous. A milktoast part like Catherine's was originally is now quirky and endearing. The circus is spectacular and integrates fully into the show. Chet Walker's homage to Fosse more than fulfills the promise and is riveting. How wonderful to watch that choreography revitalized and brought to life again.

Patina's Leading Player no longer needs to be the crux of the show. It's no longer fully dependent on her to keep people entertained. She's sexy, gorgeous, and fierce!

Louis is even cast well. A thankless role like that is now interesting and exciting. This cast works its butt off.

When Andrea does her number, the guy she performs with (being vague intentionally) looks like he has been in a circus since birth and you know that no matter what happens, Andrea will be safe because this man would throw himself to the ground before letting any harm come to her. They are flying with no nets and they are soaring!

When a force of nature like Diane Paulus can pay homage to a classic like Pippin and keep all that made it special, and reinvent it so it appeals to a modern audience of all ages, attention must be paid.

This revival is a triumph and is precisely what Pippin wants to be... Extraordinary.

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 3/24/13 at 11:46pm

I love the curtain(s).

[everythingtaboo]

Posted: 3/24/13 at 11:49pm

I think anything Andrea Martin-related should come with a spoiler heading! Suffice it to say, though, she deserve her standing ovation again tonight - and I think they just need to work that into the show, because it's not going to end.

On a not-so-related note, they need to sell real estate between Orion Griffiths' thighs.

Updated On: 3/24/13 at 11:49 PM

[Idiot]

Posted: 3/25/13 at 12:54am

"Julie Taymor would never say she always listened to the Pippin "soundtrack" growing up."

No, she'd say that she listened to the PIPPIN nose bubble pink funktronic Moosehead vibration maker growing up -- and expect us to think she'd made art.

[SNAFU]

Posted: 3/25/13 at 1:45am

Then she would write her own songs and throw in some copulating Africans on wires. Then have a circus fashion show to let us know what a genius she is.

Updated On: 3/25/13 at 01:45 AM

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 3/25/13 at 1:50am

^ and include a song where the Leading Player goes shoe shopping.

[SNAFU]

Posted: 3/25/13 at 2:37am

Of course the show would go way over budget and lawsuits would ensue.

[Acting4Food]

Posted: 3/25/13 at 3:40am

"As much as I love the songs in Pippin the book is a non-starter. The Bob Fosse staging and the performances it inspired were electrifying. I have suffered through many productions of Pippin through the years hoping to see that spark rekindled and always thought it was the difference between professional and non professional productions. Sitting at the Music Box it was even more evident what a magnificent job Fosse did because now not only do we have his essence in the choreography but we have another layer of circus work trying to mask the underlying book problems. It's almost overkill. "

This!

[tazber]

Posted: 3/25/13 at 6:36am

Stuffed ducks?

I don't remember anything about ducks in script or score.

I'm guessing it's something unique to this staging.