Magic Indeed: Opening Night of Pippin

A few scenes from the Pippin opening on Broadway last night. Holy Smokes people, this is one smokin’ hot show. I rarely like a Broadway show, I mean rarely (even though I am a Broadway peep myself), and this one is just downright great theater. I say this as unbiased as I can possibly be as both of my in-laws star in the show. Both are amazing, of course. Charlotte is sexy, saucy and manipulating as Fastrada. She skillfully tears up the stage with her isolated movement, kicks her face and pulls off 3 quick changes practically right in front of our faces. Terry is layered, hilarious and winning as the usually unlikeable Charlemagne. I’ve never really seen Terry do his “thing”. I’ve seen him perform but never in a role so tailor made for him. My favorite line from the reviews is this one from the Chicago Tribune:

I expected nothing less of these two but the show itself… the show is awesome. Diane Paulus has found a way to masterfully marry Fosse’s iconic movement with the circus. It’s a marriage made in heaven if you think about it. Fosse himself was hugely influenced by Fellini and all of those wacky over the top carnie/circus types. It not only makes sense, but it is seamless and heaven to watch. She provides a big top to serve as the background for this coming of age tale. The medieval traveling players are now flip flopping carnies and they truly wow and amaze. The book itself has never been great but the show is so much clearer under Paulus’ guidance. You actually understand Pippin’s plight and root for him. The real star turn of the night is Andrea Martin’s “In Just No Time At All”. I was literally on the edge of my seat with my mouth open. I don’t want to spoil it but it is honestly one of the most moving, heartfelt and thrilling moments I have ever witnessed on a Broadway stage. Just see it for yourself. It is not to be missed.

I’m still humming Stephen Schwartz’s tunes. I didn’t know how they would translate in this new version or if they would feel relevant today. If my incessant humming of “Corner In The Sky” is any indication, they’ve held up just fine. Pretty much every high school or middle school has put on a production of Pippin at some point in time so you’re bound to have seen it. While there were iconic moments of brilliance in the 1972 production, namely Fosse’s Manson Trio (watch from 3:45), most of it is confusing and forgettable. Paulus and team have really figured out how to make it new and interesting. I highly recommend.

Brother and sis. So cute.

My niece perched up in the box waving to us in the orchestra. One of the cutest things ever. I loved seeing my nieces expressions as they watched their parents perform. A grand and magic-ful night indeed.

Step right up and get your Pippin tickets here.

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