Through November 8, 2008
Reviewed by Chris Gibson
By eschewing some of the trademark elements that Bob Fosse brought to the original staging of Pippin, Stray Dog Theatre breathes new life into Stephen Schwartz and Robert O. Hirson's musical. Shorn of the familiar "jazz hands" and bowler hats Fosse was known for, the play is actually more accessible, with the action more clearly focused than before. This fresh approach makes this production of the venerable Pippin, engaging entertainment worthy of your patronage.
Essentially a fairy tale utilizing characters from history, Pippin tells the tale of the son of King Charles, who is searching for meaning in his life. Seeing the folly of war first hand, he enters into a plot to murder his father and usurp the throne. But, he finds no satisfaction in ruling, and after a magical moment where the King is brought back to life, he roams the countryside aimlessly.
Jeffrey Pruett is a startlingly muscular presence as the leading player, guiding the audience and Pippin through the narrative. His bitchy impatience fits perfectly, and he does strong work with the opening tune, "Magic To Do". Jeffrey Wright is an excellent Pippin, showing a vulnerable side, and mining the text for all its humor. Wright is always easy to take, and he makes the young prince likable, doing a splendid job with "Corner of the Sky", "Morning Glow", and the silly, but touching "Prayer for a Duck". Julie Venegoni is appealing as his love interest, the widowed Catherine. Her fine vocals do wonders for bland ballads like "Kind of Woman" and "I Guess I'll Miss the Man". Evan Robinson is cute as Catherine's son, Theo.
FM 88's Chuck Lavazzi and Laura Kyro offer standout support as King Charles and his mother Berthe, respectively. Lavazzi amuses as the randy king, and Kyro stops the show with "No Time At All" as she advises Pippin on a course to take with his life. Tyler Vickers makes his muscles bulge admirably as Pippin's stepbrother, Lewis. Leslie Sikes chews the scenery with relish as his scheming stepmother, Fastrada. Melissa Finn, Julie Nagy, Michelle Sauer, and Natasha Toro add a sexy element to the proceedings as the Greek Chorus, here turned into gypsies.
Gary Bell's direction removes some of the more campy and out of place elements from the original production, and the play benefits greatly from this rethinking. David Horstman's musical direction and solo accompaniment on piano are both well executed, allowing the vocals to be heard clearly despite the room's natural echo. JT Rycroft's re-imagined choreography makes inventive use of the space and retains enough of the sexier elements to be successful. Tyler Duenow's lighting design brings variety to the overall look with frequent and effective changes in the scheme setting each particular mood. Cheryl Bowman Thibaut's costuming follows Bell's gypsy motif, and it's a welcome change as well.
Stray Dog Theatre's delightful reworking of Pippin continues through November 8th (2008) at the Tower Grove Abbey. Call 314-865-1995 for ticket information, or go online to www.straydogtheatre.org
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