Cukor, curious, what's your issue with Chet? I'm fine with him recreating Fosse stuff--just the way I am with Baayork Lee doing the same. I kinda wish Wayne Cilento would have stuck to that and never started thinking he could do his own work... (actually, I don't think much of Anne Reinking's choreography--when she doesn't use the Fosse vocabulary, either). Still, doesn't sound like something he should be criticized for.
I was going to re-watch the 1981 version before next weekend, but I'm thinking I'd be better off if I don't. Sounds like it will be quite different anyway.
I believe Chet's failure with HEATWAVE was re-creating the Excitement of Cole's work. They did the steps but the show had no shape or drive.
I still stand by my opinion that TLP should be a man. The music is written for a particular male voice (as was the choreography for a male body). Frastrada is the sexy female role, another sexy female (plus a sexy ensemble of dancers can be overkill). HE should be apart from the preceedings (till the very end). Any sexual chemistry between TLP and Pip should be subtle not overt (as Patina's costume promises). Can a woman play it? Sure. That don't make it right.
What are the pluses of a female in this role? Pip already has a wiser older (much older) guide in his Granny.
I like Patina a lot, but what can she bring to this role as a Woman?
Curtain--that makes sense about the failure to convey the feeling under the steps.
I don't really see the gender issue, though--and I'm not sure Fosse would've either. The Leading Player has to be sexually charismatic, but as Fosse's production shows, the sexual orientation is not the point--Pippin isn't turned on by the LP sexually, though he is turned on by what he promises. I think that could work with either gender, as long as they don't play up Pippin wanting to sleep with the LP now that, umm, he's a she.
And I've never really considered the LP as HUMAN. I've always viewed him/her as the embodiment of temptation, there fore the sex of the actor makes no difference as the character REPRESENTS sexualilty, amongst many things.
(and yes, the intent of Sweet Summer suggests there is experimentation)
Oh man, the options for the Weisslers' stunt casting Berthe boggle the mind. They should really run with it and bring people in for a week or a month at a time.
'From the press release: "The American Repertory Theater's new production of the 1970's musical Pippin, which will debut later this season, will utilize the original Bob Fosse choreography recreated by Fosse protege Chet Walker."
Maybe they're confused because the actual website states...
Choreography: Chet Walker in the style of Bob Fosse
I have. I can't compare it to anything, as it was my first exposure to PIPPIN, but I thought it was an absolutely wonderful production. There were a few little things here and there that will get better as performances continue, but I had an absolute blast. Great cast, great show, great production.
What are the chances of a Tony for Diane Paulus if it transfers? I know lots of people can't stand her but I thought she was fully deserving for her production of Hair.
What are the chances of a Tony for Diane Paulus if it transfers?
If that's a question for me, I really can't say. I haven't seen anything from this season in NYC, and I don't know PIPPIN enough to see what was new and what was a re-creation of the original production. For what it's worth, the real inventiveness of this production comes from the circus tricks and concept, which did seem seamlessly integrated to the show itself.
And as I've been saying for months, it's not "if" it transfers, it's when. Even before seeing it, it seemed painfully obvious this was a pre-Broadway show, just like her Paulus's PORGY & BESS (also from A.R.T.)
What are her chances? The same they will be for all the other nominees. I don't mean to sound snarky, but what other answer can there be right now? An actual transfer, and more specifically, an actual transfer THIS season, isn't even guaranteed.
I like Paulus' work, I loved Hair, I even loved Porgy and Bess (I know, shoot me) and expect that I will be one of those that are likely to really like Pippin as well. I already adore the source material.
Pippin is an everyman. He's tempted by guys as well as girls in Fosse's production--in a way that was pretty groundbreaking at the time (for a commerical Broadway stage). I have no idea why he would be seen as purely straight.
He is tempted by men and women, and the brief interaction with men, to me is like when one get a little freaky, drunk in college,, but the character is absolutely straight in his major reationship wth Cathryn. (not that anyone is 100% anything).
I saw the show Friday night and really enjoyed it. It was my first real exposure to the show, so I can not comment on previous productions or recordings. I will say Patina was amazing. She was funny, sexy, and slick.
Actually, I found the entire cast completely entertaining. Andrea Martin's headset went out and she had to quickly switch to a handheld. It threw off the cast for a moment and had the audience roaring. She said " This is what happens when you come to the A.R.T."
The mix of Fosse and acrobats worked for me. I think this production deserves a transfer to allow more people the chance to see it.
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joined:10/31/11
Posted: 12/6/12 at 07:31pm