Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
PIPPIN is a 1972 musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Roger O. Hirson. The musical uses the premise of a mysterious performance troupe, led by the Leading Player, to tell the story of a young prince on his search for meaning and significance. The fourth wall is broken numerous times during the production.
This musical begins with the Leading Player (Cierra Watkins) of a traveling performance troupe and the accompanying Players inviting the audience to witness their show, immediately breaking the fourth wall. They begin telling the story of Pippin (Jacob Walters), the first son of King Charlemagne (Brian Whisenant). Before returning to his father's estate, Pippin sings of his wish for fulfillment, believing he must find his purpose in life. Pippin returns home to the castle of his father, where he meets his ambitious stepmother Fastrada (Jill Marie Burke), and her not so bright son Lewis (JD Morabito). Charlemagne is planning to go into battle, and Pippin begs his father to take him along as a soldier to prove himself. After Charlemagne declares victory, Pippins paternal grandmother (Lisa Stanley), tells Pippin to stop worrying about his future, and to enjoy the pleasures and comforts of the victory. He begins to enjoy many meaningless sexual encounters but soon discovers that relationships without love leave you feeling empty. Shortly after he meets Catherine (Kara M. Young) and her son, Theo (Judah Avery Young), whom he comforts after Theo's sick pet duck dies. Pippin warms up to Catherine and finds himself attracted to her. The protagonist, Pippin, and his father, Charlemagne, are characters derived from two historical figures of the early Middle Ages, though the plot is fictional and presents no historical accuracy regarding either.
The Players express the battle through song and dance, the glory, the magic, the love song and many more songs directed and conducted by James Lent with such flexibility and strength. Many songs are accompanied by dance numbers choreographed by outstandingly talented Jeremy Lucas. Under his direction everything is possible.
The ensemble delivers an absolutely sensational, sexy, and engaging performance. Their dancing and singing numbers are powerful and enjoyable. Every single cast member is wonderful, perfectly cast for this production. Jacob Walters is magical, so pleasant to the ear. He hits those high notes effortlessly. His star qualities are shining through like magic. The ensemble includes Rachael Maye Aronoff, Bar Yosef Ashkenazy (Lewis U/S), Kasmira Buchanan, Sara Bunge* (Charles U/S), Robbie Caneveri, Hann Crews (Leading Player U/S), Genevieve Grey (Fastrada U/S), Hannah Jobman (Catherine U/S), Shannon McCon, Ethan Mullen (Pippin U/S), Sophia Marie Rizzo, & Kyler Wells. Joey Comes and Kiera Morris* are the show's swings. Michelle Hakala-Wolf is Berthe's U/S. Genevieve Grey and Ethan Mullen will play Fastrada and Pippin respectively at the closing performance on Sunday, June 29th.
The rest of the creatives are Jill Marie-Burke (Music Supervisor), Atticus Jones (Lighting Design), Colin Tracy (Stage Manager), Keny Marine (Assistant Stage Manager), Jamie Humiston (Sound Design), and publicity is taken care of by Sandra Kuker PR.
The band members are Jonathan Kretchmer (Keys 2), Eric McCann (Bass), and Tom Zygmont (Drums/Percussion).
PIPPIN The show opens on June 22nd and runs June 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th & 29th All shows are at 8pm. The Jaxx Theatre is located at 5432 Santa Monica Blvd. in East Hollywood, 90029. Parking is available at 1110 N. Western Ave. Tickets are now on sale at
www.Showclix.com/Event/Jaxx-Pippin . For a VIP table experience which includes parking, cocktails and snacks, please contact
Jaxx@JaxxTheatricals.org .
*** If your child/teen loves to act, sing or dance join JAXX Conservatory school of Rock the musical, from July 9th - 27
th from 11:30am - 6:00pm.
Open to students, 8-18 years old.
Our mission is to develop creativity, inspire self-expression, and promote self-esteem through Arts, Education, Youth Outreach, and Live Performances.
For more information and to register contact,
www.JaxxTheatricals.org/conservatory