Pippin (Revival on Broadway)
What is the meaning of life? This is a question always been present in society. Many of us give meaning to our lives through various outlets: writing, arts, our jobs, love, our family, etc. The list is as long as the amount of people that have ever set foot on this earth.
Pippin by Stephen Schwartz (music and lyrics) and Roger O. Hirson (book) is a musical loosely based on the story of Charlemagne, or Charles the Great, and his son Pippin’s quest to find meaning and purpose. I strongly identify with the character of Pippin and many of the songs he sings during the musical. “Corner of the Sky,” one of Pippin’s most powerful songs, is an expression of a boy’s search for his destiny (although he doesn’t know what it is quite yet). This song was my audition piece for the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and reflected exactly where I was at that time in my life; a young man seeking a fresh start in a world of possibilities. For me, New York City was that world and I was ready to go exploring.
The 1972 original production of Pippin was greatly influenced by Commedia dell’Arte. A group of players accompany Pippin on his quest, playing different characters and creating various settings and circumstances along his journey. This very much reflects the roles our family, friends and acquaintances place in our lives. The leading player acts as the narrator of Pippin’s story and weaves in and out of the musical advancing the plot. In the 2013 revival production, the element of Commedia dell’Arte is replaced with a more contemporary interpretation. The group of players are performers from the Les 7 Doigts de la Main crew, each sporting unique and colorful attire. The leading player (Ciara Renée, who replaced Patina Miller earlier this year) wore classic all-black attire, with accessories including a top hat, resembling that of a ringmaster. I was skeptical about how the circus element would play into this new production. I wondered whether or not it would take away from the story, music and text. After seeing the revival earlier this month, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the circus acts were incorporated extremely well into the show and helped to advance the plot, even better than the elements of Commedia dell’Arte did in the original. The company performed impressive acts and Diane Paulus did an impressive job director such a whimsical and multifaceted concept. Every moment is seamless, clever and tasteful. The stunts are never gimmicky or distracting.
They first cut back on non-erectile dysfunction drugs with harmful side effects (which may include cialis in australia erectile dysfunction). Numerous individuals think that it is hard to imagine that either 2010 champion flat jockey, Paul Hanagan or runner up, Richard Hughes, would ever want to win again! The two men fought it out tooth and nail right until the last day of campaigning in the hotly contested 2010 Massachusetts Governors race, incumbent Deval Patrick and his Republican challenger Charlie Baker barnstormed both urban and rural areas. cialis levitra online It is a cylindrical tube that is connected to a pump, which is either hand or battery operated. cheap viagra usa Any episode of left or right upper generico cialis on line http://secretworldchronicle.com/tag/mercedes-lackey-cody-martin/ abdominal region. Even though I was unable to see the original cast of the 2012 revival production, I was incredibly pleased by the cast of performers currently starring in Pippin on Broadway. Kyle Dean Massey did a great job in the title-role, portraying a Pippin open to the advice of his family and friends about the “secrets of life.” Priscilla Lopez’s portrayal of Berthe, Pippin’s Grandmother, was very impressive. I don’t want to give away what she is able to accomplish, but Priscilla could sing no matter what the challenge, still conveying a moving message about how to enjoy life. When I arrived at the theater, I was excited to hear that John Rubinstein, who originated the role of Pippin in 1972, was playing King Charlemagne. Rubinstein gave a powerful performance as the King. He portrayed a strict ruler, but a loving and charming father. Ciara Reneé possessed a strong stage presence at every moment as the Leading Player, supported by her wonderful voice and expressive dance. She was a successful storyteller and charismatic leader.
I encourage everyone to go see this wonderful show. It definitely made me laugh, cry, reflect, and appreciate life.
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Until next time!
:David
Websites of interest:
http://www.pippinthemusical.com/