Revolution Stage Company’s valentine to the Coachella Valley is a scintillating, very well-done production of Pippin that musical-theater lovers shouldn’t miss!
Prolific composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz is the creator of numerous hit musicals. His first success was Godspell. He then took a project that he had begun as a university student and worked with book writer Roger O. Hirson to create his second success—Pippin. (His biggest hit, however, was yet to come—Wicked.)
Pippin opened on Broadway in October 1972 and ran until June 1977. This production was directed and choreographed by the legendary Bob Fosse, and won five Tony Awards overall, with two going to Fosse. The 2013 revival won four Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Musical.
Nathan Wilson is the director and choreographer of Revolution Stage’s production, which he says is in “the style of Bob Fosse.” For those who are familiar, you will immediately recognize the body positionings, the exaggerated gesticulations and the pelvic thrusts. For those who are not familiar, you will receive a thoroughly enlightening Fosse short course!
Wilson also plays a character identified as Leading Player. He appears in a glimmering gold lame costume, with exaggerated eye makeup, and shows off a commanding physical presence. There is no doubt who is in charge. The opening number, “Magic to Do,” sets the Fosse initiation in gear. The Leading Player soon has the entire company singing and dancing, filling the theater with an energy that fueled the large opening-night audience. The magic had indeed begun!
Chuck Peery is the musical director. He has done a remarkable job with the vocals. Group numbers were well-blended, and solo numbers were nicely done. There were times, however, that the sound levels of the accompaniments were too loud or the volume of the singers’ microphones needed adjusting.
Dancing often moved the story forward or filled in during scene changes. The dancers, led by Wilson’s Leading Player example, were well-rehearsed and very capable throughout.
Wilson sings wonderfully. While sometimes it might become awkward to have one person wearing so many hats at the same time, that did not appear to be a problem in this production. That’s a credit to Wilson; Revolution Stage is fortunate to have him helm this show.
The story is about a young man, the title character, who is hoping to find meaning in his life. He is the son of King Charles of France (aka Charlemagne) and heir to the throne. He longs to have a life that is “extraordinary” and satisfying without life’s mundane tasks and responsibilities. Bruno Satalino delivers a believable Pippin. He has a pleasant singing voice. My one note to him would be to please get your hair off your face so it doesn’t cover your eyes.
Donald Kelley inhabits his King Charles delightfully. His patter song, “War Is a Science,” is nicely done and a true challenge when the tempo speeds up. His wife, Fastrada, is deliciously played by Billy L’Amour. This “simple housewife and mother” (stepmother to Pippin) is a presence not to be ignored. Exceptional singer, yes! Exceptional dancer, yes! And L’Amour puts the capital G on Glamorous! Her son, Lewis, played with aplomb by Chris Carranza, is a fun spoiled mama’s boy. Fastrada wants Lewis on the throne instead of Pippin.
Sonia Reavis is Berthe, Pippin’s grandmother. She delivers the big audience-participation song, “No Time at All,” and makes it a true show-stopper! Brava, Sonia!
In Act 2, we meet Catherine, sweetly played by Meagan Lawson. Catherine is a widow with a young son named Theo, played by Ari Rand.
A talented ensemble of players includes Brent Aronowitz, Gioia Mia Cali, Imani De Leon, Billy Franco, Anthony Nannini and Zelaya Divina Sanchez. They do remarkable work individually and together with their singing, dancing and character changes.
Michelle Mendoza is credited with costumes. She has done a wonderful job of giving visual variety and interest while also making them functional for the dance numbers. Nathan Cox is listed as projection designer, as well as the production stage manager; the projected visuals on the rear of the stage were extremely well done and enhanced the action occurring onstage. Duke Core is the lighting designer. The lighting was generally effective, although there were a few instances at the beginning of the show when an actor was in the dark when they should have been lit. That hopefully will be corrected for future performances. Corin Frost is the person in charge of the many props. Excellent work!
Pippin will be playing through March 1—so you have multiple opportunities to treat yourself to a magical night at the theater!
Pippin will be performed at 7 p.m., Thursday and Friday; and 8 p.m., Saturday, through Saturday, Feb. 28; there will also be performaces at 7 p.m., Monday, Feb. 23, and 2 p.m., Sunday, March 1. Shows take place at Revolution Stage Company, at 611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs. Tickets start at $33. For tickets or more information, visit www.revolutionstagecompany.com.