THE SHOW:  

The eldest son of Charlemagne can’t wait to soar up into eternal fame and claim his Corner of the Sky. And although Charlemagne thinks Pippin ill-suited to battle, Pippin is eager to bask in the glory of war. Until he participates in one. And is struck by the tragedy, the carnage, the loss. Inspiring him to embark on an idealistic campaign with the promise that all problems can be solved easily. Which leads to despair, pain, and disillusionment.  

In this musical by Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Wicked) and Roger O. Hirson that legendary Bob Fosse took to Broadway, the players assure us that Pippin’s got Magic to Do with the promise of a thrilling, grand finale destiny worthy of his extraordinary life. While the young widow Catherine threatens to cause Pippin to disappear into the obscure darkness of the ordinary.

THE PRODUCTION:  

Director Rosalind Allen-Enciso and the group at Oaks Christian School staged a beautiful production of Pippin based on the Broadway revival circus theme and filled with imaginative touches of their own. Beautiful costumes (Jamie Hampton) and lighting (Kenneth Milbrett) help to create enchanting visuals aided by Kelsey Alexander’s choreography, touches of illusion, and gymnastics by the cast. That’s a stellar cast who clearly enjoys and excels at making the magic.

Elizabeth Sams leads the way as the charismatic and confident Leading Player, commanding the stage like a force of nature. Timothy Frangos is terrific as our Pippin, from his naïve youth, to his chase after glory in war (rallying the troops by promising to build a wall and make the Visigoth barbarians pay for it), to his emotional centering at Catherine’s house (not to mention his valiant attempt to save the pet duck of young, saddened Theo (Coltrane Smith and Joe Matthews) without the boy noticing). He’s also got a great voice for his Corner of the Sky solo. The other principal roles were double-cast, with Cat Matthews starring as Catherine on opening night. Cat has gorgeous vocals and is a perfect combination of sweet and funny with a bit of lovable dorkiness about her as she introduces herself to us, and in her charming duet with Pippin as they fall in love with a Love Song, while also touchingly conveying the loss and loneliness shadowing her life.

Taylor Proto reigns as King Charlemagne with an easy knack for the bravado, power, and humor of the role, his voice projecting strength, age, and self-assurance as he leads War is Science. Ava Daikeler is a fun granny Berthe, taking grandson Pippin under her wing with the two of them bouncing on huge exercise balls as she delivers words and lyrics of wisdom. Abigail Cain is regal, vain, and amusing as Charlemagne’s new wife Fastrada plotting to Spread a Little Sunshine and ensure her own son takes the throne. Travis Christie is hysterical as said son Lewis, always with spot-on physical comedy and a melodramatic flair no matter the circumstance (such as silently mouthing Charlemagne’s pre-war prayer but with more gusto).

And then there are all the players guiding us through the tale. Always into it and with a clear sense of the possibilities for each scene, these talented performers weave their web with style from the opening Magic to Do, the very bloody battle scene, guiding Pippin through the hoops when he loses interest in war and discovers interest in women in the clever and playful With You, the hopeful and utopian Morning Glow, and as they eagerly and forcefully entice Pippin, or anyone else, to leave their pedestrian lives behind and embrace their fiery finale.

Performed March 16-20, 2016

Rob Hopper
rob@nationalyouththeatre.com
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Executive Director
National Youth Arts

~ Cast ~ 

Leading Player: