Broadway Review: Pippin - "a show like no other"

Ciara Renée and the cast of Pippin

Pippin
Music Box Theatre
Reviewed on Sunday 6th April 2014

Ciara Renée and Kyle Dean Massey

Pippin is a show like no other - I can't think of anything else vaguely similar. It's a musical about self-discovery centring around Pippin, a young prince who longs to find passion and adventure in his life. The Leading Player takes Pippin on a journey, guiding him down various paths before he ultimately has to decide whether to settle down and live a peaceful life or continue to make magic with the dazzling troupe of performers.

In many ways the story is irrelevant as you don't have to 'get' Pippin to have a mind-blowingly  brilliant theatrical experience. Diane Paulus’ new, circus-themed production is an impressive spectacle. The ensemble are beyond talented; not only are they triple threats, but they show off some of the most astonishing tricks and skills I have ever seen on stage. 

Stephen Schwartz's score is heavenly. It works so superbly because if you listened to it out of context you would expect Pippin to be a more traditional musical, but you couldn't be more wrong! 'Magic to Do', 'Corner of the Sky', 'Glory', 'Simple Joys' and 'Morning Glow' (to name a few) are tremendous songs which you will come away humming and wanting to download immediately.

Fresh from playing Fiyero in Wicked, Kyle Dean Massey recently joined the company, taking over the title role. Pippin is a ridiculously demanding part to play and it was remarkable to see that after just eight performances, Massey knew exactly when to hold back and when to give his all. Massey's rendition of 'Corner of the Sky' was sensational and he later wowed during 'Morning Glow'.

The original Broadway revival cast of Pippin

Massey stars opposite Ciara Renée who also recently joined the production as the Leading Player. Renée's performance is fierce; I've never seen anybody own a stage so effortlessly. Her vocal tone is to die for, but it was the power of the emotion in Renée's eyes which really cast a spell over the audience. She storms the stage as if she has been performing on Broadway for years.

Annie Potts

A stand out performance comes from Annie Potts as Berthe, Pippin's Grandmother. The role is very small, but Potts gives a show-stopping rendition of 'No Time at All'. The audience are invited to sing along (the lyrics are projected onto the back wall karaoke-style). It's the ultimate feel-good song and nothing prepared me for Potts' surprisingly daring circus talents! There was a moment when you could feel the entire audience holding their breath, but Potts clearly knows exactly what she's doing and relishes every moment. She is a true star!

Pippin is a marmite show - some are seduced by its unusual allure while others simply don't get it. The audience are certainly taken on an exciting journey and I adored the thought-provoking ending. It's dark, I was left wanting more.

Stephen Schwartz and Roger O. Hirson's show is incredibly unique and could be interpreted in so many different ways - the possibilities are endless. Whether this production transfers, or if a brand new production pops up somewhere in London, I hope it's not too long before I get to discover the joys of Pippin once again.

What a show. What a cast. What a production!

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)

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