Pippin versus Kinky

[CukorLover]

Now that tickets are on sale for both shows, I was wondering if anyone here has seen both ( Kinky in Chicago and Pippin in Boston) ? I'm helping out a group to book for their Spring excursion and was curious which might be the more entertaining for a group of teens. Naturally, I already know Pippin ( and am excited to see the new incarnation), yet am curious about the appeal and production values for a show such as Kinky Boots. Thanks for any input.

[Owen22]

PIPPIN is a well constructed concept musical written by a composer in his prime. Its "everyman" narrative might be thought of as old fashioned, but the circus concept by a visionary director I'm sure will keep the show contemporary.

In Chicago KINKY BOOTS was a show with potential with a solid book writer (whose talents let him down in the second act) and a neophyte theatre composer who was actually able to come up with half a dozen strong theatre songs. The problem is the other half dozen....

Still, hopefully, KINKY BOOTS might have gotten way better in rewrites. But PIPPIN is a solidly entertaining piece of musical theatre and always will be.

[CukorLover]

Thanks Owen ! Did you actually see Pippin at A.R.T ? Was curious if they kept the 2nd Act intact as is, or whether they were able to "pump it up" a bit ? I always felt the darker and slower second Act was a bit of a downer and sort of lost the energy and momentum from Act 1. Thoughts?

[HoldThatThought]

The second act is intact. When I saw it after it opened, they had polished up the second act and it worked just fine.

Here's a thread that was started and will give you an indication of what the A.R.T.'s production is like.

A.R.T. Pippin

[South Fl Marc]

I always believe in new shows so I would go to "Kinky Boots".

[Owen22]

I did not see the A.R.T. PIPPIN but the reviews have been good, and I think it an excellent show so I'm pretty sure its plenty good.

And Act Two usually rises or falls on whoever is playing Katherine. She is the sole engine in the second half, and if you love her as Pippin comes to, Act Two can be wonderful.

[lovesclassics]

Owen, I saw PIPPIN at the A.R.T. The actress playing Catherine is wonderful!

The show definitely lives up to the hype. Exceeds it, actually.

[Scarywarhol]

Harvey Fierstein, much as I love him, has never been a good book writer. His scripts are corny and structurally loopy. That makes me a little worried about Kinky Boots.