Printer Friendly - Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by Patti LuPone FANatic 2013-01-03 22:27:05

Songwriter Joseph ("You Light Up My Life") Brooks presented Broadway with a headscratcher of a musical, In My Life, on October 20, 2005. Brooks provided book, music and lyrics for this story of a young man with Tourette's Syndrome, who turns out to be the unwitting lead in a "reality opera" supervised by a pudgy, bike-riding individual named Al, who turns out to be God. For some reason the proceedings were illustrated with pervasive images of lemons, which provided good fun for the critics who put the squeeze on the show. Despite a vigorous advertisting campaign, the show could not overcome cataclysmic reviews and closed after 61 performances. Playbill.com

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by beautywickedlover 2013-01-03 22:46:54

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I really hope they get Patina Miller to come to Broadway production as well. She's such a talented performer.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by bdn223 2013-01-03 22:53:46

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If this wins best revival Paluas will have directed 3 of the last 4 revival winners...either she is a genius (which I am not denying) or well she is the only director willing to try and completly reinterpret "semi" classics

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by Jordan Catalano 2013-01-03 22:57:29

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I'm excited for this. Of course its te THIRTEENTH show starting in March, so they better figure out a way to get people in those seats ASAP.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by rosscoe(au) 2013-01-03 23:01:21

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I don't wanna be a downer, but this has no hope!

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by lenstersf 2013-01-03 23:01:22

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Very exciting! The show is very strong. I really hope it does well on Broadway, and that they keep the cast intact.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by ucjrdude902 2013-01-03 23:06:52

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Maybe Whoopi can pull some strings and have them on The View since she's pretty fond of Patina.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by SondheimFan5 2013-01-03 23:10:21

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Its a smart move taking a small theatre (860 seats). It's riding on the name of the show and whatever reviews it gets from Boston papers. No real stars unless they re-cast Berthe or Charlemange (which, from all reports here, it doesn't sound like they would.)

Anyone know if Brantley is reviewing?


EDIT: Who ever said Wiki was right in terms of theatre capacity! Still - 1000-ish is not a huge space to fill. Unless, of course, the show is Dead Accounts or In My Life. There were no stars for Hair. It sold because it was good (though Hair is more well known than Pippin)

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by ucjrdude902 2013-01-03 23:13:30

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I thought the Music Box was more like a 1000?

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by bjh2114 2013-01-03 23:16:23

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If this wins best revival Paluas will have directed 3 of the last 4 revival winners

It'd actually be 3 of the last 5. Both La Cage and Anything Goes came between Hair and Porgy and Bess.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by frogs_fan85 2013-01-03 23:16:27

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You're right. Going off of DEAD ACCOUNT's grosses it has 997 seats.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by ucjrdude902 2013-01-03 23:17:08

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IBDB had it listed at 1025 which obviously can always change due to show needs.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by Brave Sir Robin2 2013-01-03 23:17:52

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Well, based on buzz and Andrea Martin it could do well. Hope to see it when I head to NY in May!

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by WiCkEDrOcKS 2013-01-03 23:23:33

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YAY!

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by wonderfulwizard11 2013-01-03 23:35:21

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Am I the only one who thinks this could do well? Pippin isn't exactly a totally unknown show, and apparently this is a stunning production. It may not be a smash hit, but I don't think it's necessarily going to be a flop. At any rate, I'm excited and would love to see it.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by RippedMan 2013-01-03 23:59:14

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Eh. No desire to see it really.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by CATSNYrevival 2013-01-04 00:29:47

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^They might be able to sell some tickets to tourist if they put "from the composer of Wicked" at the top of all their posters and flyers.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by broadwaydevil 2013-01-04 00:33:37

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Cats - Godspell tried that same strategy and failed so I'm not sure if that's their best bet. This will have to be a case where the star is the show itself and if word of mouth continues to be phenomenal and it gets good reviews, I really think it could have a nice, healthy run, especially in a mid-size theatre. I'm so thankful they didn't opt for the Marquis as I had heard rumored.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by CATSNYrevival 2013-01-04 00:35:35

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^At the end of the day, I'm just crossing my fingers that this gets recorded, preferably by PS Classics. A complete recording with lots of dialogue is way overdue. I love the OBC cast, but the actual recording leaves a lot to be desired.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by lupone76 2013-01-04 00:41:11

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In my opinion Pippin is Stephen Schwartz's best score. Much better than Wicked and Godspell. Why all the negativity of this not doing well? First of all this is the first ever revival and from the word on the street it's an excellent production with a fresh take on the material. Also, the original was a sizeable, bonafide hit which enjoyed a lengthy run and is definitely one of the biggest musical hits from the 70's. So I fail to see how it can flop?? If Drood is staying afloat I'm sure Pippin will do just fine. I predict that it will at least run through the end of next holiday season. I for one am very excited about seeing this production. So glad it's coming.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by dramamama611 2013-01-04 01:30:08

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Congrats to all involved! I really loved the production (but was already a fan of both Paulus and the show).

Boy, I hope (and assume) they already have their advertising campaign ready to go -- they aren't giving themselves much time to grab NY's attention!

Currently, Pippin's orchestra only has 11 members.


Best of luck to them!

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by wicked_beast4 2013-01-04 02:16:10

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Michael Arden just tweeted this:

"I always dreamed I'd play Pippin. Again. Damn."

https://twitter.com/michaelarden/status/287081039841591296

Does anyone think it's at all relevant to the announcement?

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by bwayphreak234 2013-01-04 02:25:48

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For those who have ready seen this production, do you think it will work in the Music Box? Based on the photos I've seen of this show it looks like the stage is very wide and deep...

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by DEClarke 2013-01-04 02:26:21

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I wish I could be excited, but I just don't love this score. I don't think changing the concept into a circus is enough for me. But yay for actors and crew getting work!

They can market it as "by the same composer who brought you WICKED" and that should sell for a while, right.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by dramamama611 2013-01-04 06:10:28

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The Loeb isn't a big space, I don't think they will have too many adustments to make. I think width will be more of an issue than depth -- but I think it should look awesome in there.

DE -- as already stated in this thread, that marketing didn't seem to help Godspell much. {shudder}

And yes, I'm sure Arden's tweet had much to do with it: there had been rumours/wishes that the production he was involved with a few years ago with the Deaf West Theater might transfer. As much as I'd pay large amounts of money to see Arden on stage in NY, methinks he's getting a little long in the tooth to play Pippin. IF it ever gets ANOTHER revival, he'd be FAR too old to be considered.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by HoldThatThought 2013-01-04 07:12:20

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I'm glad this is transferring. Hopefully it does well enough to at least get a new cast recording, and I really hope it's with the current cast. They are amazing.

But is the Music Box theater the smallest on Broadway? The Loeb only held ~550 seats. While most shows have been almost sold out, 1000 seats might take some doing. Well, here's to wishing them all the best!

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by GatorNY 2013-01-04 07:37:51

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I'm excited too. I've always enjoyed my cast recording and have never seen the show, in any form other than some of the videos with William Katt on youtube. Plus, there appears to be some good eye candy in the chorus.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by dramamama611 2013-01-04 07:45:20

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No, not the smallest -- by any stretch. MANY smaller houses on b'way. (Take a look at the seating capacity on the grosses for a quick look.)

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by HoldThatThought 2013-01-04 10:01:51

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dramamama - Okay - looking at the grosses chart, looks like the Booth , Friedman, or Helen Hayes are closer in seating capacity to the Loeb. I'm guessing that the Music Box might've been the earliest available theatre for the transfer to occur quickly.

My thought is that this production seems to work well in a small theater. It felt more personal/intimate than other shows I've seen. Although sitting up close probably had something to do with that too. How much of that is taken into consideration when they know they are transferring to a theater almost twice the size? Will they adjust the staging to accommodate it? Or will it be fine the way it is?

Gator - This was my first live show of Pippin. I watched the Katt video a few times before I saw this production. If you even remotely enjoyed the Katt video, I think you will absolutely love this production.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by Kelly2 2013-01-04 10:10:32

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I just wonder how this will do. Diane Paulus has, as was mentioned, success in the past with her revivals purely based on how well they do come awards season. Personally, I wasn't a fan of her "Porgy and Bess", but many were. Is anyone really clamoring for a revival of Pippin though? I agree that selling as "from the composer of Wicked" may help with the tourist crowd, but in my opinion Pippin just isn't a show that is as well known or exciting as others that have been revived in the past few years.

Maybe the production is so outstanding that none of that will matter, I haven't seen it or read reviews, but to me the idea of a Pippin revival is just so thoroughly uninteresting, but I've never been a fan of the show.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by lupone76 2013-01-04 10:11:24

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The original Broadway production played the Imperial which ironically happens to be right next door to the Music Box. The Imperial is much bigger than the Music Boox and it worked just fine there.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by FindingNamo 2013-01-04 10:14:52

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The rave in the Boston Globe is *loaded* with spoilers, including detailed descriptions of the little delights that catch your breath when you're not expecting them. Avoid if you would like to approach the circus with a sense of wonder.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by kdogg36 2013-01-04 10:17:59

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If this wins best revival Paluas will have directed 3 of the last 4 revival winners...either she is a genius (which I am not denying) or well she is the only director willing to try and completly reinterpret "semi" classics

I'll give you Pippin, but I think Hair is a full-fledged classic, and Porgy and Bess is a pinnacle of American art.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by frankywhitley 2013-01-04 11:23:32

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so excited for this to come back to broadway! yayyyyyy!

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by metropolis10111 2013-01-04 13:11:56

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I'm so making the trip for this one. Now if they will give us a new recording I'd be even happier.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by RippedMan 2013-01-04 13:26:40

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I think HAIR is arguably an easier sell than Pippin. And HAIR had just come off a run in the park with such great reviews. Porgy had Audra, who is a modern day theater star. I'm not sure what Pippin has going for it? I mean, it's slightly well known, but I'm from the South and never seen anyone put on a production of it.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by FindingNamo 2013-01-04 13:42:06

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"I'm from the South and never seen anyone put on a production of it."


When you put it that way, it's clearly doomed.

OR, you could look at what Pippin does have going for it: great buzz on the heels of its Cambridge run, names recognizable to Broadway fans who are likely to get in early and spread the good word of mouth quickly, thrilling circus acts, and talented people who distract from the flaws of the book.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by Kelly2 2013-01-04 13:45:23

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I dunno, I think people are overstating the appeal of the show itself. Yes, they are recognizable Broadway names in the cast, but not anyone that somebody from Kansas or Illinois or where is necessarily gonna have heard of.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by FindingNamo 2013-01-04 13:50:16

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Jesus Christ. The ripples outward COME from New York, not Kansas or Illinois. Maybe people should stop fretting about the business aspect and just decide if they want to see it or not. You know, own their own decisions and not worry about Kansans.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by Kelly2 2013-01-04 13:56:26

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I'm aware of that, I'm just saying I think people are overestimating the inherent appeal of the production and cast. Even within New York, they're recognizable names but nowhere near "first-tier" Broadway people, aside from Andrea Martin and Patina Miller (who became a bit more of a factor after Sister Act). Maybe Charlotte D'Amboise but I remember her big turn in A Chorus Line being poorly reviewed.

And Matthew James Thomas is just not an exciting name to me for this role.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by CarlosAlberto 2013-01-04 13:58:38

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And maybe, just maybe people are underestimating the inherent appeal of the production.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by Kelly2 2013-01-04 14:00:35

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Maybe, Carlos. Only time will tell who's right on this. Maybe I'll see it and be blown away. Unlikely, but always possible.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by FindingNamo 2013-01-04 14:06:30

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This is why I rue the day common citizens were made to care about such crap as box office receipts and all the other behind the scenes BS of The Entertainment Industrial Complex.

Who CARES about that? See the show that somebody puts on or don't. Like it or don't. Tell people what you think. But why hinge your argument on your prognostication over whether people you imagine to be unsophisticated will pay to see it too? Deal with the creation.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by SonofRobbieJ 2013-01-04 14:08:29

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Remember all the sturm und drang over the last two Diane Paulus shows moving to Broadway? No one thought HAIR would run and everyone thought P&B would be a disaster because of all the changes. And then...well...that didn't happen.

Plus...I trust the opinion of someone who's actually seen this over someone just guessing.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by CarlosAlberto 2013-01-04 14:09:19

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I hope it enjoys some success. We need a departure from the countless Sondheim revivals. And I swear I don't mean that bitchy.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by GottaHaveAGimmick 2013-01-04 14:14:25

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DO NOT doubt the Weisslers. They can send a carrier pidgeon to every ticket-buyer of "Chicago" over the last 15 years. They can rotate casts quicker than the Love Boat. They will dig up Fossee's tap shoes if necessary.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by trentsketch 2013-01-04 14:46:30

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They just need to recreate that amazing Pippin commercial from the original run where you see one minute of Fosse's choreography.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by Brave Sir Robin2 2013-01-04 14:51:00

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If they hype up the circus acts on morning talk shows, that could help.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by Mister Matt 2013-01-04 14:55:05

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This thread is a treasure trove of bizarre comments.

either she is a genius (which I am not denying) or well she is the only director willing to try and completly reinterpret "semi" classics

No, she reinterpreted one that transferred to Broadway and one that may transfer to Broadway, but she's the only director reinterpreting revivals. Just her. All by her lonesome. Nobody has thought of it before or since.

So I fail to see how it can flop??

If people don't want to see it and don't buy tickets, it will flop. A big hit in the 70s doesn't translate to a big hit revival. Remember the 1997 Annie or both revivals of Company?

If Drood is staying afloat I'm sure Pippin will do just fine.

Oh, absolutely. The correlation between the two shows is unmistakable.

I mean, it's slightly well known, but I'm from the South and never seen anyone put on a production of it.

I'm from "the South" and I've seen it produced several times. What about this show do you believe is so specifically off-putting to anyone who lives below the Mason-Dixon line? Does the script only make references to the Midwest or New England? Or perhaps it's the veiled references to abolishing slavery that keeps this musical out of the South.

Yes, they are recognizable Broadway names in the cast, but not anyone that somebody from Kansas or Illinois or where is necessarily gonna have heard of.

OMG YES! Those wackos in Illinois are terribly unfamiliar with the BROAD WAY. That's why they fail to try out new Broadway musicals in Illinois pretty much EVERY SINGLE YEAR. Because living outside of New York means you have no access to anything Broadway related. Why, even now, right this very moment, I'm not reading this thread or typing this post because I couldn't possibly know anything about it! THIS ISN'T HAPPENING!

I do think it's interesting that following the successes of Avenue Q, In the Heights, Spring Awakening, Urinetown, Memphis and God knows what else, people still believe that it takes NAMES to sell a show. Names can help if a star has a built-in audience like Ricky Martin. In many cases, shows with names can go down in flames as MASSIVE failures a la On a Clear Day. The speculation as to the success of this production from those who haven't seen it truly baffles me. If you guys have such reliable crystal balls, why aren't you picking lottery numbers?

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by HoldThatThought 2013-01-04 15:14:55

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That original Pippin commercial was great for it's time. And while they could recreate it for this production, they would probably do better to add the circus acts. Most people enjoy the circus, and parents will see it as a show they can take their kids to. The surface level of the story is easy enough for kids to follow while the parents can enjoy the adult humor, etc. I think it'll be fine. I just thought they would've gone with a similar size theater as in Cambridge because "Sold Out" creates more buzz than not.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by FindingNamo 2013-01-04 15:53:07

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The production currently has a warning stating that they recommend the show for grades 6 and up because it "contains mature themes, sexually provocative scenes, and some cursing, but a really fun score."

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by Kelly2 2013-01-04 15:56:51

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"OMG YES! Those wackos in Illinois are terribly unfamiliar with the BROAD WAY. That's why they fail to try out new Broadway musicals in Illinois pretty much EVERY SINGLE YEAR."

There's a reason I said Illinois and not Chicago. The bulk of the state is not much like it's most famous metro city. And honestly, I don't get the people who get riled up when people state the FACT that most of the country is not as tuned into Broadway. Yes, of course there are serious theatre fans everywhere, but those people are the minority. Most tourists do not go see shows because of who is in them unless it's a major star like Daniel Radcliffe and wouldn't know Charlotte D'Amboise from a brick wall.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by trentsketch 2013-01-04 16:06:24

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HoldThatThought, that's what I was thinking. Choose one of the big circus numbers, sell the spectacle of the show, and freeze frame right before the singing kicks in.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by Mister Matt 2013-01-04 16:18:10

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Most tourists do not go see shows because of who is in them unless it's a major star like Daniel Radcliffe and wouldn't know Charlotte D'Amboise from a brick wall.

The advents of the internet, tweens, Wicked, Glee and Smash have been changing that, but I'm not even sure why this observation is being pointed out in the first place. No, not everybody in America knows all these names (and for much of the 20th century, they never did), but SOMEHOW, shows without major celebrities have managed to find success. And suddenly people DO recognize the names like Kristin Chenoweth, Idina Menzel and Sutton Foster who had never heard of them before. But Illinois was probably one of the poorest examples you could have made considering it does include, you know...Chicago. I would have understood Montana or Iowa perhaps, but ILLINOIS?!?!

At any rate, was there indication that the PR for this production is really pushing the cast as the major selling point of the production?

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by HoldThatThought 2013-01-04 16:43:44

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"At any rate, was there indication that the PR for this production is really pushing the cast as the major selling point of the production?"

Not so much the cast, although they are outstanding in it. The selling points so far seem to be:

1) It's a Diane Paulus production.
2) It's got circus acrobats in it.
3) It's the first revival to hit Broadway since the original production.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by FindingNamo 2013-01-04 16:45:40

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I suggest something totally radical, along the lines of: "Here's a show we're doing! Come see it if you want to have a fun time!"

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by jacobsnchz14 2013-01-04 18:09:26

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Logo and information for Broadway production:
http://www.pippinthemusical.com

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by dramamama611 2013-01-04 18:15:18

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Hmmm....I like the tagline (Some lives are meant to be extraordinary.), I'm guessing that's new.(?) Not so much the logo.

(Not that that makes a difference in my buying tix or not.)



OH.....and a while ago, someone asked about merchandise, when I was there just before xmas, I didn't see anything.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by AEA AGMA SM 2013-01-04 18:22:56

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"I just thought they would've gone with a similar size theater as in Cambridge because "Sold Out" creates more buzz than not."

Their weekly operating costs on Broadway will be higher than their costs in Cambridge. It could easily mean that in a smaller theatre the numbers just don't work out in a way to make the producers feel comfortable. Say, for instance, that the show ends up costing $500,000 a week to run. In a smaller theatre they would still be able to clear that with a sell out week, but it would also mean a smaller gross potential and thus potentially taking longer to recoup.

There's quite a science behind determining the best relationship between gross potential, weekly operating costs, and what you think/hope you can sell each week.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by qolbinau 2013-01-04 18:26:47

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I don't know the show that well - I've only seen an awful production of the show so I'm not too keen. But is Patina Miller playing the Ben Vereen role? Is that often played by a female?

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by Phantom of London 2013-01-04 18:35:43

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How to gouge if the run has been successful?

Broadway shows are like a herd of wildebeest on the run, in the spring they start off normal, fit and healthy, but you get a couple of sick stragglers that get picked of by the hungry lion, last year it was Jesus Christ Superstar and Leap of Faith the year before it was Catch Me If You Can and Wonderland, the year before that was Come Fly Away. That's Broadway for you.

If the show runs to labor day or closes earlier the show has tanked?

If the show makes it to the annual Broadway blood bath of New Year 2014 or runs longer, is the show considered a success?

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by FindingNamo 2013-01-04 18:48:02

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Yes, that's exactly the right way to gouge success, and no, nobody knows what part Patina Miller plays, it has never been discussed, and they really are hoping people will feel nostalgic for "an awful production of the show" they saw at some point so the creatives have gone in that direction and really hope you'll love what they've done.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by qolbinau 2013-01-04 18:52:22

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Cool story, bro.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by dramamama611 2013-01-04 18:59:19

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Does ANYONE understand what Phantom was trying to say?

A show that makes back its investment is a success. One that closes before it can do so, and therefore, loses money is a turkey.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by HoldThatThought 2013-01-04 19:14:23

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trentsketch - Hopefully they'll do something along those lines.

Namo - yes, that would be radical if everyone could not pre-judge a show and go have a good time! Works for me, and I'm hoping to see it again before the 20th.

dramamama - The tagline is the same from the A.R.T. banner. And I think Phantom meant "gage." (just my guess)

AEA - thanks for the explanation. That makes sense that they would want to recoup as quickly as possible. They could always move the show to a smaller place after that if they wanted to keep it running.

qolbinau - yes, she does play the Ben Vereen role (aka - Lead Player), and from what I've heard/read it has been done before, but not often.

Namo - lolz on your response!

qolbinau - lolz to Namo's response, and I've only ever seen that phrase on gaming forums!

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by PlayItAgain 2013-01-04 20:03:50

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all I want is a subway ad with the logo and the tagline "Join Us".

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by Phantom of London 2013-01-04 20:11:46

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'A show that makes back its investment is a success. One that closes before it can do so, and therefore, loses money is a turkey.'

Only for the producers as a theatre attendee and a fan, it doesn't trouble me if a show doesn't make its money back.

Going on your premise, which I understand and respect, but then most Stephen Sondheim musicals could be considered as 'turkeys'.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by Phyllis Rogers Stone 2013-01-04 20:13:37

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The ones that didn't recoup are certainly considered flops.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by little_sally 2013-01-04 20:38:17

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Well, I'm pretty excited.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by Briaansmith 2013-01-04 21:43:26

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Pippin has a costume designer from 'O' and cirque from 7 digots both well respected people.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by When I get low... 2013-01-04 22:17:41

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SPOILER REQUEST

FindingNamo: "The rave in the Boston Globe is *loaded* with spoilers..."

Except it doesn't give away Andrea Martin's surprise in "No Time at All". I won't see this production, so what is the surprise?

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by dramamama611 2013-01-04 22:22:59

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Since you won't be seeing the production (I'm guessing because it doesn't interest you) then why would you care about the suprise?


(But if you really want to know, I'll send it to you in a pm.)

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by ACL2006 2013-01-04 22:26:05

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anyone else think the Music Box is the wrong theater for this show??

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by When I get low... 2013-01-04 22:41:46

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dramamama611: "Since you won't be seeing the production (I'm guessing because it doesn't interest you) then why would you care about the suprise?"

I won't be seeing it because I have no plans on visiting the east and because I'm neither interested in this show nor a fan of Schwartz. I am a fan of Andrea Martin and am interested in knowing how she impresses in the part.

I'd still like to know the surprise, so if you don't care to post it and would prefer to PM me, that'd be nice.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by steven22 2013-01-04 22:48:15

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Any idea who the understudies are? As of now at least at ART?

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by dramamama611 2013-01-04 22:51:40

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Yes...give me a minute to get my program....

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by dramamama611 2013-01-04 22:58:50

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Understudies (at ART)

for Pippin -- Erik Altemus (who plays Lewis)
for Lewis -- Colin Cunliffe (player)
for Charles -- Andrew Fitch (player)
for Fastrada -- Bethany Moore (player)
for Leading Player -- Stephanie Pope (Player)
for Catherine -- Molly Tynes (player)
Male Swing -- Brad Musgrove

No understudy listed for Berthe, no female swing listed

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by dramamama611 2013-01-04 22:58:51

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double post

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by steven22 2013-01-04 23:13:38

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dramamama611, thank you!

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by dramamama611 2013-01-04 23:16:35

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Happy to oblige.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by trentsketch 2013-01-04 23:21:57

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ACL2006, when was the last time The Music Box was the right theater for a show? I honestly can't remember.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by PlayItAgain 2013-01-05 01:43:55

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^ one man, two guvnors

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by PalJoey 2013-01-05 09:09:18

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Pippin will sell.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by trentsketch 2013-01-05 09:09:42

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You're right. I forgot that played the Music Box. I always think Amour and In My Life when I think Music Box.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by frontrowcentre2 2013-01-06 12:44:09

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Those who only know the OBCR of PIPPIN are excitede for this revival.

I have seen PIPPIN on stage twice...first, a high school production that was a great deal of fun and later the Toronto production Mirvish presented (which, if my memory is correct originated at the Papermill Playhouse (?) and was touted as being headed for Broadway.) This later production proved to my satisfaction what I had long suspected: that the book of PIPPIN doesn't hold together, and the cast album is so good because the songs have little to do with what happens on stage. The show as written is an empty bag of tricks and was saved by Fosse's dazzling staging. Fosse even managed to make the show's none-event finale work, but as a joke on the audience: HA! You thought this was all leading somewhere!

The record album made it sound big and dramatic and a little sad. Listeners never realized that the last lines "It never was there" refer not to Pippin's search for meaning but to the show itself.

The original production ran for so long due to a serious lack of competition: The 1960s blockbusters HELLO DOLLY and FIDDLER had closed and the first 1970's blockbuster - A CHORUS LINE would not arrive until PIPPIN was into its 4th year. (A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, RAISIN and THE WIZ took the top Tony honours in 1973, 74 and 75, and Broadway was littered with flops: OVER HERE!, IRENE, GOODTIME CHARLEY, MACK AND MABEL, DUDE, MOTHER EARTH, VIA GALACTICA...) The street was mess and even a minor show like PIPPIN could eek out a financially viable run. But the Imperial Theatre was seldom in SRO status. (For the final 3 months PIPPIN moved to the Minskoff, getting by on "twofers" and TKTS/Hit Show Club discounts.)

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by HoldThatThought 2013-01-12 20:34:19

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In case you missed it, there are a some interesting videos from today's BWW article about the Pippin revival. One notable one is Raul Esparza singing Simple Joys. Another one is the full version of the 1982 video, but it skips like crazy.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by CATSNYrevival 2013-01-12 20:56:55

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Pippin will sell. All they need to do is put this picture on the marquee.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by vikingstuff 2013-01-13 01:04:04

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Am I going to have to buy tickets on Monday if I want to go in the first week of previews?

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by qolbinau 2013-01-13 07:39:26

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No

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by dramamama611 2013-01-13 09:15:40

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I agree. This won't be a hard to get ticket until word of mouth and tony noms/wins gets "out there".

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by vikingstuff 2013-01-13 12:18:35

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Really? When I checked for tickets for Matilda and Lucky Guy in their first week for compaison on telecharge I couldn't get any top price regular orchastra.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by dramamama611 2013-01-13 12:22:28

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1. Lucky Guy stars Tom Hanks.
2. Matilda has had buzz for quite some time before tix went on sale.

3. This only got announced 2 weeks ago, no time for buzz except from us Theatre Geeks.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by vikingstuff 2013-01-13 12:43:56

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Good to know. Planning a trip to see this not long after it opens. I want to get advance tickets to this and rush Lucky Guy and maybe Spider Man.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by dramamama611 2013-01-13 12:45:35

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Are the Lucky Guy tix all gone for when you'll be in NY? If not, I'd get advance tix for that.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by vikingstuff 2013-01-13 13:33:32

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Theres still tickets left for when We're think about going. I don't care if I don't get great seats or have to get up early. I'm going to be very disappointed if Tom Hanks ends up being gone when I go.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by vikingstuff 2013-01-13 13:33:37

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Theres still tickets left for when We're think about going. I don't care if I don't get great seats or have to get up early. I'm going to be very disappointed if Tom Hanks ends up being gone when I go.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by dramamama611 2013-01-13 13:42:05

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If seeing Hanks is so important, why not buy them in advance? Pippin shouldn't be difficult to get tix day off.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by vikingstuff 2013-01-13 14:26:37

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Pippin is defenetly top priority this time around, hoping for good seats. Is Lucky Guy gunna be hard to rush?

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by dramamama611 2013-01-13 18:12:50

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Big names usually are.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by winston89 2013-01-13 19:04:28

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I wouldn't automatically equate shows with big names as being hard to get tickets for either via rush or telecharge. For example, when Equus was on the boards, a lot of people thought that due to various factors (Radcliffe being in it after doing Harry Potter, him being nude or his costar played uncle Vernon in the films) would sell tickets and make it a hot ticket. Maybe it was for awhile. But, I remember seeing it several times on TKTS and found it rather easy to get a student rush ticket for it a couple of times when it was playing.


So, it can be a fifty fifty shot to be honest with you. But, if you're so bent on seeing Lucky Guy I'd buy in advance. Also, they haven't announced a rush policy. For all we know they might not have one.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by frogs_fan85 2013-01-13 20:28:19

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LUCKY GUY will at least have SRO.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by Dermot2 2013-01-13 21:20:48

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First time here - Hey Folks - Just so you know -

Pippin was amazing in Boston.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by lenstersf 2013-01-13 21:41:18

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Anyone know how to get opening night tickets to Pippin?? I checked through the Audience Rewards pre-sale, but opening night didn't show up on the dates...out of curiosity, also checked opening night tickets for Lucky Guy, and that date also wasn't on the list. Does this mean opening night is sold out? Or are opening night tickets usually available closer to the date?

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by vikingstuff 2013-01-13 22:29:39

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Just to clarify... I will be able to get AA-p tickets to Pippin if I buy them like a month before, right?

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by Cupid Boy2 2013-01-13 22:30:36

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lenstersf, It depends upon the show. It is ultimately the decision of the producers as to whether or not opening night tickets are released for sale to the general public.

With that said, if tickets do happen to be released, they may only be in certain sections of the theater. For instance, the tickets that were made available for purchase for the opening night of Leap of Faith were all in the balcony.The only thing to do is to keep checking Telecharge and to hope for the best.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by dramamama611 2013-01-13 22:50:43

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Do you mean in the orchestra? Probably....but you just never know.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by vikingstuff 2013-01-13 23:10:03

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@dramamama... Thanks for the help with the noob questions. I'm kinda thinking this won't be as popular as I think it is, but I'm going to be pumped to maybe see this in its first week. Do you think Lucky Guy is a good choice for a second show?

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by dramamama611 2013-01-13 23:15:15

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It's got a pretty impressive cast....but its an unknown entity -- so who really knows. But I'll be seeing it.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by vikingstuff 2013-01-13 23:34:11

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I've already seen alot of the big wig musicals before and I've never seen a professional straight play before, so I figure it would be a good choice. Is it normal for musical's first few shows not to sell out instantaniously or is Pippin just not that big a deal?

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by HoldThatThought 2013-01-14 11:04:30

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^ Just remember:

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by beautywickedlover 2013-02-04 12:50:51

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Cast announced! I'm really excited that Patina is returning to Broadway. Terrence Mann and Andrea Martin are two of my favorite Broadway performers. Charlotte d'Amboise is very talented as well.

http://broadwayworld.com/article/BREAKING-NEWS-Patina-Miller-Matthew-James-Thomas-Terrence-Mann-More-Confirmed-for-PIPPIN-on-Broadway--Full-Cast-Announced-20130204

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by ACL2006 2013-02-04 12:55:29

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so happy for this show and to see Miller, Martin, Mann & d'Amboise back on Broadway. I know for the A.R.T. production, Brad Musgrove was the only swing. I'd imagine they'd add at least one more(female) swing to the cast, if not more.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by ken8631 2013-02-04 12:59:34

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Terrance and Charlotte - very good indeed!

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by Matt Rogers 2013-02-04 19:50:25

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Where the #&@# is the discount code? Even Matilda has finally tossed us a meager little discount code. Is Pippin really selling so well that they aren't going to offer anything?

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by Trish2 2013-02-04 21:06:57

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I wouldn't be holding your breath for early discounts on this production. At least not that early in the run. It's playing a small house so my guess is they'll try to get as much as they can to fill those seats as it's capped at 8.5 Million. In order to recoup in a timely fashion, even with low running costs (no star salaries), etc, I bet they'll try to avoid early discounting.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by WiCkEDrOcKS 2013-02-04 21:09:26

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I'm sure there will be a discount code in the coming weeks. They literally just announced the cast and tickets went on sale like barely three weeks ago.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by HoldThatThought 2013-03-05 11:37:53

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Some changes to the show, and I like the billboard design:



I would love to see this again!

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by lenstersf 2013-03-05 11:52:15

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Really interesting interview. I'm excited to see what changes they've made to the finale. I remember thinking the finale needed a bit more excitement and paled in comparison to the end of act I. It's gonna be great!

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by ACL2006 2013-03-05 11:59:05

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really like the poster art work. I just find it funny that the Chicago billboard above it features Charlotte d'Amboise.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by macnyc 2013-03-05 12:10:03

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If someone is sitting in the rear orchestra (that would be me), would that person's view of the aerialists be blocked by the mezzanine overhang? I bought the tickets already, but I'm trying to temper my expectations. I usually love the rear orchestra of the Music Box, but I've never seen a show there that used circus performers. Any opinions?

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by dtzumbrunnen 2013-03-05 15:18:14

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mac - I think that's a distinct possibility, but we won't know for sure until we see how they adjust the staging for the Music Box. The aerialists went quite high in Boston, and I can imagine that some of the high-ends of certain tricks could be blocked.

I don't remember anything that was done that high that was sustained though, it was typically a travelling sort of move, where the performer(s) went up and down, so you'd still get a pretty good view when they were lowered (but still in the air).

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by HoldThatThought 2013-03-05 20:17:15

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So after re-reading the article, a couple of things caught my attention:

"The basic shell of the show will remain in tact, but Diane wants to take that synthesis of styles a step further and incorporate even more dance and circus elements."

I thought the show was spectacular as it was, so I hope they don't go overboard with the circus elements.

"One of the more significant changes to the show we addressed this week will occur during the finale. Diane has a new exciting concept that adds an element of danger and will make the scene that much more potent."

I hope someone here will post what it is under a "Spoiler Alert".

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by FindingNamo 2013-03-05 20:23:12

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Not hard to believe she'd want to gussy it up, since Act Two of Pippin is still Act Two of Pippin and the new audiences in Cambridge had the exact same reactions to it as the old audiences in the '70s.

Pippin to Open at the Music Box in March
Posted by EricMontreal22 2013-03-05 21:11:21

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Except that the old audiences in the 70s didn't even have an Act II...