PIPPIN – Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz; Book by Roger O. Hirson; Directed by Robert Michael Sanders; Musical Direction by Heather Iris Holt; Choreography by Jessica Hindsley. Produced by Phamaly Theatre Company (Presented at Denver Center for the Performing Arts, 15th and Curtis, Denver) through August 24th. Tickets available at 303-893-4100 or Phamaly.org.
Maybe your “favorite time of the year” is Christmas, but I think my favorite is the two and a half months I have from early June to mid-August to enjoy the summer theatre season. A quick trip to Creede and Pagosa, an exploration of new theatres to be discovered, the anticipation of fall seasons being announced, and PHAMALY’S ANNUAL MUSICAL. As I wait to see this year’s production, I ponder the difficulty of matching last year’s magnificent rendering of CHORUS LINE. I need not have worried – Phamaly came through once again with a startling performance of PIPPIN.
A musical journey of discovery as boy turns into man, PIPPIN brings thoughtfulness, charm, advice, humor, and drama into your lives for a couple of hours. The 20-member cast climbed on board the PIPPIN wagon and didn’t let up until they had the audience on their feet cheering. I had the pleasure of watching people who had never seen a Phamaly show before become lifelong fans. The resilience, determination, talent, and heart of this group always warms the cockles and thrills the spirit. Somehow, by singing and dancing, this group gives us faith in the ability to overcome. Something sorely needed at this time in our history.
Ben Raanan, the Artistic Director for Phamaly, and his staff did well in choosing this rarely done, but charming, musical that follows Pippin, the son of Charlemagne, on a personal journey to find his way to fulfillment. As a journey we have all made in some form, it’s reassuring to those of us who are in the later stages of the trip to know that our realization of family and community is the ultimate and worthwhile goal. But what fun to watch Pippin take those tentative steps into adulthood.
The choice of Robert Michael Sanders as director for this piece was also a major step in the right direction. Adding Heather Holt as Music Director and Jessica Hindsley as Choreographer created a team that could enhance the innate talent of their acting company and move them with confidence into the spotlight. The set design by that Renaissance man Brian Watson featured circus motifs and bright shiny things. The lighting design by Emily Maddox that made the whole evening, in turns, bright and shiny, then dark and dramatic, added to the enjoyment. Madison Booth’s carnival costumes contained even more bright and shiny things and made everyone even prettier. Curt Behm created the balance between musical instruments and musical voices. Also, how very nice to see Rob Costigan back at work (where he belongs) doing props for the show. What a team they all made to bring this delightful story to life.
Let’s get to the actors. It’s Kaden Hinkle’s story to tell and he does it with charm and confidence. No surprise there. Kaden has been performing since he was a young whipper-snapper; he has learned how to sell a song, keep his feet moving in the right direction, and bring his personality forward to tell a story. He is a young man with a sparkling future on stage.
With his acting partner of Emma Maxfield as the Leading Player, the two of them move us through time and history with ease to tell a timeless story of growth and wisdom. Emma is the Narrator, the Pusher-Along, the Ringmaster in this circus of life. They are a bundle of controlled energy on stage. If you remember their recent work in ONCE at Town Hall and their Phamaly work as Puck in MIDSUMMER, there will be no surprises in their performance here. They step on the stage, open their hand, and you’re in it. Easy-peasy! Don’t think about it – just go with the flow. They are one of those actors whose work is instinctual; they have no fears, no boundaries. What a joy to watch!
Pippin’s family is made up of his father, Charlemagne (or Charlie) played by Phamaly veteran, Mark Dissette – still one of the best Tevye’s I’ve ever witnessed. He gives a humorous and defiant portrayal of a man used to ruling. Shelly McMillion as Pippin’s grandmother has a show-stopping song with “No Time at All” as she warns him of the transient nature of life. As an elder, she begs him that it’s “Time to take a little from this world we’re given.” But, of course, he has to learn that on his own.
Jessica Swanson, another Phamaly veteran, gives Pippin’s stepmother scheming life. She manipulates, misdirects, and maneuvers all on behalf of her son. You see, if Charlie and Pippin were gone, she and Lewis would rule the kingdom – the ultimate goal. Her son Lewis is played by the talented Casey Myers (Phamaly fans will remember him as the hand-tap-dancing guy in a wheelchair in last year’s CHORUS LINE). What family tree created this bunch of schemers?
Pippin’s second family is completed by Katelyn Kendrick as his true love Catherine. A widow with a son, they teach Pippin the value of family and responsibility. The son, Theo, is played on alternate nights by Catherine’s real son, Asher, or Aries La Plante in a belligerent but adorable scene. The idea of a new father on the scene isn’t cutting it for this kid.
You can’t say enough about the world of support given by the ensemble members as they move set pieces into place, enhance the singers with background melodies, provide a troupe that moves with synchronicity, and do their individual bits and bobs and ad-libs to add to the humor. We all know it takes a village to accomplish great things. Great things are accomplished by this particular village every night on stage.
A WOW factor of 9!!