No compensation was received for this post. Media tickets provided.
Having an actress who performs in musical theater productions across LA for a friend means I can get authentic input from her about the latest national tour running through Southern California. I never had an opportunity to see her play Fastrada in Pippin, but knew that if she played a leading role in the Tony Award-Winning Musical, it had to be superb.
Photo: Jean Marcus
The idea of finding one’s purpose in life is a familiar one and this is the overarching theme of Pippin, which returned to Broadway last year after a nearly 40-year hiatus. The musical follows the story of the young prince as he sets out on an acrobatic, death-defying journey to find meaning in his existence. Despite Pippin’s privileged upbringing, he is discontent. It is assumed that he will follow tradition and take his father’s place as emperor. It is at this crossroads where the story of Pippin begins.
Often hailed as Cirque du Soleil meets Broadway, Pippin will thrill you with jaw-dropping stunts as the “troupe” (led by the Leading Player) play out his endeavors to live an extraordinary life. In some ways, it reminded me of Shakespeare’s infamous “All the World’s a Stage” monologue in As You Like It.
Pippin is unlike any production you’ve seen and features choreography by Tony Award Nominee Chet Walker in the style of Bob Fosse and acrobatics by Gypsy Snider of Les 7 doigts de la main (aka 7 Fingers). Breaking theatrical tradition, the Leading Player and troupe often break the fourth wall, inviting the audience into Pippin’s existential journey. This “play within a play” is unconventional, bold, vivacious, and moving.
Pippin debuted at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts earlier this week and will run through November 23rd, 2014. Performance days/times are as follows:
Tuesday – Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m.
Tickets start at just $29 and can be purchased online, at The Box Office or via phone ((714) 556-2787).
Be sure to arrive early (up to one hour before showtime) to enjoy free Pippin-inspired activities which include the following:
- “What makes you extraordinary?” Contribute your own thoughts on the display located on the Orchestra Level lobby.
- Learn about the origins of Pippin including the structure of the musical as a play within a play, who the central characters are and their roles, how Bob Fosse influenced the choreography, and what makes this revival of the original 1972 Broadway production so unique.
- Ascend King Charlemagne’s throne for a photo opp on the Orchestra Terrace Level lobby. Be sure to share your royal photos on your social media channels with the hashtag #SCFTA and #PippinTour.
For more information about Pippin at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, visit SCFTA.org.
Images: Terry Shapiro unless otherwise noted.
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