NTPA Repertory presents Pippin
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Book by Roger O. Hirson
Directed by Irwin Daye
Music Directed by Scotty Lee Clayton
Choreographed by MattJohn West
Stage Management/Asst Director Mandy Sanders and Austin Hines
Set Construction Steve McMurray and Jo Alamares
Lighting Designer Jo Alamares and Allison Larrea
Sound and Projection Design Ashlee E Bashore
Costumer Lisa Rodenbaugh
Sound/Mic Run Crew Allison Larrea
Light/Sound Operator Austin Hines
Build Team Steve McMurray, Jo Alamares, Fritz Witchern, Jody Dulberg
My thoughts on Pippin at NTPA or…Pippin succeeds again!
How often do you get to see different productions of a favorite show on consecutive days? It was interesting to see different takes on the same material back-to-back. At first, I was tempted to compare and contrast them, but that wouldn’t really be fair because of differences in budgets, cast sizes, etc. Truthfully, I enjoyed and was entertained by both. The story of Charlemagne’s son trying to make his life “extraordinary” and Stephen Schwartz’s lively score never get old.
I liked Director Irwin Daye’s vision of the show which downplayed the glitz and magical elements of the musical and allowed the humanity and both the good and not so good qualities of the characters emerge. The inclusion of modern clothes on some characters by costumer Lisa Rodenbaugh also gave this Pippin a current, updated feel. Music Director Scotty Lee Clayton has the cast sounding phenomenal. MattJohn West provides some lively choreography and the slides he has ensemble member Kristobal Rios perform are amazing.
Director Daye brought together a strong cast for the show. Jane Wester, a college sophomore, has the tough job of becoming Theo, a preadolescent boy, but she makes it work wonderfully. McKenna Curtis is a fetchingly devious Fastrada, plotting to make her son king and as her son and Pippin’s brother Lewis, Billy Veer gets many laughs as the slightly dimwitted warrior. Previously I’ve only known Veer as an excellent music director, and it was great to see he is a skilled actor as well. Mandy Sanders is a delight as Pippin’s grandmother Berthe urging her grandson to get out and enjoy all that life has to offer.
As Katherine, the woman who ultimately wins Pippin’s love, Kirsten Amerongen, is perfection. Her angelic voice and look make Katherine irresistible. She is definitely “extraordinary.”
Only the unbelievably talented Christian Thrailkill with his incredible stage presence and dynamic vocals could make the part of Charlemagne (a part he is at least 30 years too young for) thrilling. His big number “War is a Science” is a major highlight of the show. Go ahead and put on those shades, Christian. Your future is brighter than the Texas sun.
I was already a fan of Nick McGeoy, who plays Pippin, from his performance as Henry in Next to Normal at Upright Theatre Company last year. McGeoy’s youthful exuberance and sincerity (especially in his scenes with Katherine) make his Pippin a winner. McGeoy is also a fine vocalist and has charm to spare.
Just last year this time I was watching the awesome Noelle Saul play Sandy Squirrel in The SpongeBob Musical at NTPA. Now here she is as The Leading Player who guides Pippin on his journey. Saul’s Leading Player is sleek, sexy, and moves around the stage like a cat after its prey. This is a demanding part and Saul is up to its every demand. With super vocals and stage presence out the wazoo, Saul tears the part up.
Pippin’s ensemble is on stage throughout most of the play and requires first rate singers and dancers to help portray all the “foibles and fables.” Director Daye’s talented, hardworking ensemble includes Willow Breland, Fatima Macias, Gigi Mangum, Kristobal Rios, Riley Samuel, Liz Tudor, and the gymnast Kianna Seaberry.
I enjoyed this Pippin very much. At the beginning of the musical the Leading Player implores you to “come and waste an hour or two.” If wasting time was always this entertaining, I’d be the laziest person on Earth.
