‘Pippin’ takes audiences on a magical journey
Performances end Dec. 7
Here is where theater, dance, circus, and magic meld into a seamless hoopla of wonderment. A story about a journey a young prince takes to find the true meaning of his life.
Set during Europe’s Middle Ages, the story follows Pippin, the son of King Charlemagne, beginning when he completes his formal education and begins his search for glory or his “corner of the sky” as he calls it.
The show really gives one their money’s worth in two hours and twenty minutes of solid performances by an outstanding, energetic cast.
Director Michael Grimm, with Assistant Director Marilyn Pifer, and Choreographer Natalie Fitzgibbons, re-created Bob Fosse’s unique choreography and brings in a new brilliant combination of astonishing aerials, contortions, acrobatics and dance to an old chestnut, resulting in a nonstop production that at times takes your breath away with a sensitive Andy Gonzalez as Pippin.
There is at least one performer on a silk, up in the air, there are people doing acrobatics on the stage, they have people juggling, a lot of things that are not typically seen in community theater.
The music by Stephen Schwartz (”Wicked,” “Godspell”) and book by Roger O. Hirson have been updated from the 1972 production to fit the new circus theme without losing the original intent of the story.
Especially with outstanding Klara Klotzbach as the Leading Player, with her fine voice and excellent stage presence, Pippin is a rare theater experience that brings the Broadway musical to another level.
This is a show not to miss! Tickets are still available at www.svct.org.
Camille Bounds is the theater reviewer for Morgan Hill Life.
