"Pippin" at Mark Taper Forum

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 12/21/08 at 3:11pm

I heard the new production of "Pippin" in LA is hoping to come to Broadway. I know it won't be this season, but I don't see "Pippin" really doing very well. It just seems so dated, to me. Although this new production will be like the Tom Sawyer musical where the cast performs sign language and whatnot. I know Michael Arden is part of the cast, so I'm sure it will at least sound good!

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 12/21/08 at 4:09pm

Um, like you first have to wait until AFTER the show begins performances and generates any buzz to merit producers and investors to even think about a Broadway transfer. The show doesn't even begin performances for another few weeks.

In this current economic state, no one is interested on investing in anything, especially a Broadway musical.

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 12/21/08 at 4:24pm

The last Deaf West production on Broadway -- BIG RIVER -- was produced by Roundabout, a non-profit. It was a critical hit. I'm sure they'd gladly pick up PIPPIN.

[PiraguaGuy2]

Posted: 12/21/08 at 4:27pm

I get the feeling Lincoln Center and Roundabout will be putting on the riskiest productions in this economic climate.

[jennafan]

Posted: 12/21/08 at 4:39pm

Does anyone know much about the production at all? Is Ty doing all the acting while Michael Arden sings?

Updated On: 12/23/08 at 04:39 PM

[Unknown User]

Posted: 12/21/08 at 7:06pm

Do you think Pippin is more dated than say West Side Story?

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 12/21/08 at 7:36pm

Rentboy gets his opinions from the back of soup cans. Pay no attention to his uneducated "opinions".

[emo_geek]

Posted: 12/21/08 at 7:42pm

Rentboy- I know a few people in this production and while wishful thinking, they have no intention of doing that...

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 12/21/08 at 11:30pm

Um, I know a few people as well, and they've both said that the point of the production is to hopefully produce on Broadway in the future.

And Bobby, I don't know why you follow me around and comment on all my posts. It just makes you look like a dumbass, but hey, that's your choice right?

[A Director]

Posted: 12/21/08 at 11:41pm

West Side Story is a better show than Pippin.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 12/22/08 at 12:45am

You post pointless things in every fairly interesting thread. It's kinda hard to avoid you. Don't flatter yourself sweetie. "I hate Alice Ripley." "I hate golden age shows." "Is there a show curtain?", "I'm too lazy to google, post it here", and "Is there student rush?" pretty much sum up your existence on BWW.

[TabooPhan1]

Posted: 12/22/08 at 1:14am

Not to cause a stir, but there is at least a grain of truth in Rentboy's statement. I was recently in attendance at an ASL Interpreter's Forum at Union County College in Cranford, NJ at which Alan Champion spoke. Alan Champion is the most notable interpreter for Broadway shows, being the first person to interpret a live performance on Broadway. I had an opportunity to speak with Mr. Champion, asking him what he was currently working on and he told me that he and Candace Broecker-Penn (his long-time colleague) were working on this revival of Pippin in Los Angeles, teaching the sign language to the actors and working closely with the cast and creative team to create an original production, including the casting of several deaf actors. He mentioned that the plan for the production was to start in LA and, if all goes well, move to Broadway. Those are the facts as they were relayed to me by Mr. Champion.

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 12/22/08 at 12:59pm

Exactly. That's all I'm stating.

And Bobby, who cares? I'm a student, I'd like to know about student rush. And I enjoy a show curtain, who cares? And I don't hate golden age musicals, I've just never been introduced to a production of one that really spoke to me, and interested me. But after "South Pacific" and "Gypsy," I can say that I'm open to liking them. I love "Gypsy," although I'm not sure I'd like it if it were for Lupone's fierce belting.

[jennafan]

Posted: 12/22/08 at 3:46pm

Was the last Deaf West production on Broadway "Big River"?

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 12/22/08 at 4:09pm

Yes, and it was directed by Jeff Calhoun.

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 12/22/08 at 4:15pm

Does anyone know much about the production at all? Is Ty doing all the acting while Michael Arden sings?

Not to say you can't still act and sing at the same time...

[jennafan]

Posted: 12/22/08 at 4:37pm

"Not to say you can't still act and sing at the same time..."

What I had asked is if there are two people playing the role, how does it work? I didn't see Big River, forgive me.

Updated On: 12/23/08 at 04:37 PM

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 12/22/08 at 4:38pm

LuPone's fierce belting versus, what, Ethel Merman's weak belting?

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 12/22/08 at 4:40pm

Not the same quality.

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 12/22/08 at 5:10pm

What I had asked is if there are two people playing the role, how does it work? I didn't see Big River, forgive me.

The Deaf actor signs and the hearing actor is off to the side or in the background singing or speaking the lines in as close a synchronization as possible.

[BroadwayBaby6]

Posted: 12/22/08 at 8:35pm

The leads have been told that this production IS GOING for Broadway. I am guessing that the deal with Roudabout has already been made but I have no proof YET.

[lite2shine]

Posted: 12/23/08 at 12:24am

Maybe to replace "Dancin"? But rather than talking about the Broadway run, I hope they will nail the show first in L.A..

[jennafan]

Posted: 12/23/08 at 9:57am

It will probably do well on Broadway. Updated On: 12/23/08 at 09:57 AM

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 12/23/08 at 10:05am

Somehow I can't picture Deaf West with Tony Awards spinning in their eyeballs, motivated only by that. What's wrong with trying to strike Big River-type lightning twice?

[jennafan]

Posted: 12/23/08 at 10:33am

Wasn't Big River a close run that extended? It was only on Broadway a short time. Updated On: 12/23/08 at 10:33 AM