Diane and I have tickets for Pippin at the Sheas Performing Arts Theater today. This is the “revival” version of Pippin that won a Tony a few years ago. Our local theater reviewer was lukewarm about this touring version. He thought the acrobatic aspects were overdone. Today, you can’t let the audience get comfortable, it seems. Have you seen the original Pippin? Or this touring version? What did you think of Pippin?
ADDENDUM Pippin was a lot like watching Cirque du Soleil. Eye-popping acrobatics and impressive sexual trapeze work! John Rubinstein, the original Pippin back in the Seventies, was playing the role of Charles in this version. The audience was enthusiastic and cheered the cast. GRADE: B
Yes, we saw the original Broadway production some 40+ years ago! As I remember it, the stars were Ben Vereen and John Rubinstein, both a heck of a lot younger back then (as were we all). And no, even then I didn’t think it was all that great.
But then, Stephen Schwartz is no Stephen Sondheim, IMHO.
Hope you enjoy it.
Jeff, this version of PIPPIN is supposed to feature amped up gymnastics and stunts. We’ll see…
The only production I’ve seen was a high school version that one of my daughters was in when she was in the Thespians Society. The group did a pretty good job–very energetic and nice costumes, but I could never GET what the show was really about. I thought perhaps certain subtextural elements had been removed to make it palatable for a high school production (and audience), but even then I couldn’t figure out what made Pippin the kind of character that would inspire a musical. Of the five plays my daughter acted in, PIPPIN was my least favorite. I hope you and Diane have better luck.
Deb, PIPPIN is part of our “Broadway” package at Sheas. I’ve never seen any production of PIPPIN. Our next play at Sheas in March is based on the music of Carole King. It’s called BEAUTIFUL.
George, now Carol King is someone I can relate to!
I really enjoyed Tapestry and was flabbergasted when I found out that she and Goffin were behind so many hits.
Isn’t it strange that these young Jews from New York (like Phil Spector) knew what kind of music young people wanted in the 50s/60s/70s?
Wolf, one of my favorite albums is Carole King and Gerry Goffin’s colloction: http://georgekelley.org/forgotten-music-1-goffin-king/
I play it about once a month. Love that music! Diane and I have seen Carole King in concert in Canada. Great show!
Jackie wants to get tickets for BEAUTIFUL, perhaps for our Anniversary.
Jeff, Katie saw BEAUTIFUL on Broadway and loved it. Diane was hoping BEAUTIFUL would be included in our theater package…and it was!
We saw Carole King at Madison Square Garden with James Taylor. Excellent show.
Jeff, I’ve seen some Carole King concerts on PBS (they’re available on DVD now) but the live show in Canada was terrific!
I know I’m preaching to the choir here, but if you haven’t read Sheila Weller’s GIRLS LIKE US, please do. It’s a history of Carole King, Joni Mitchell, and Carly Simon. Carole’s talent, work ethic, and commitment to her family are awe-inspiring. She’d be figuring out new arrangements while nursing a baby and helping an older child with homework.
Deb, I second your recommendation of GIRLS LIKE US. Great book! And the music was better back in the Sixties!
I got a DVD of Pippin from my library, but I don’t remember who was in the cast. I thought it was just ok. I can’t imagine extreme acrobatics would add anything to it.
I think the reason I was at all interested in seeing it had to have been a cast member, but it didn’t register enough for me to remember them 3-4 years later.
I used to have a PB copy of pippin that had a cover by ERTE. Now that, I really liked.
Maggie, I know next to nothing about PIPPIN other than John Rubinstein was in the original version.
Thanks, George for that link (how can I read up on all your stuff that I’ve missed, being a latecomer to this site …) and the others too for those memories.
Wolf, I think there’s a “Older Posts” link at the bottom of each page. Or you could just GOOGLE “georgekelley.org 2005” and work your way through the years!
George, I know about that link (and google is my friend too …) – my problem is on a different level:
Where do I get the time for this?
Even as a pensioner I’ve got other things to do …
I have never seen PIPPIN. Hard to get Phil to musicals (except opera). He will see most other plays though.
Patti, I know a lot of people like Phil who resist musicals. You can’t blame them: if you don’t like the music, it’s a painful experience to sit through.
I used to think all musicals were fun and uplifting, then I saw Whistle Down the Wind in London, and found I was wrong about that. I still love musicals, but I’m much more selective now. Was standing up dancing at Mamma Mia, and I didn’t mind any of the cast of the movie, including Pierce Brosnan’s singing.
Maggie, when I took my Mom to Vegas we saw MAMMA MIA! My Mom started dancing in the aisle, too!
Though I’m familiar with the name, I’ve not seen any version of Pippin, nor do I have any idea what it’s about, what the story is, etc. I can’t imagine extreme acrobatics being of any benefit to any play or show unless it’s about the circus. So, BIG TOP, yes, PIPPIN, no.
Rick, this version of PIPPIN is a lot like watching Cirque du Soleil. A lot of high-energy gymnastics.
So, how was it?
Rick, if you like gymnastics and trapeze work, you’ll like PIPPIN. No memorable music.
Rick wrote my comment for me!