BWW Reviews: PIPPIN Brings Magic to the Fox Theater

They've got magic to do, just for you!

The national tour of Diane Paulus' re-imagined revival of Pippin arrived at the Atlanta's Fox Theater Tuesday night and brought nothing but magic and wonderment. A truly ensemble cast is led by understudy Lisa Karlin as Leading Player, as well as special guest Kyle Dean Massey who is performing in the Atlanta engagement while Sam Lips is on vocal rest. This revival features a refreshing update with circus acrobatics but also stays true to the original iconic Bob Fosse choreography.

Pippin tells the story of the eldest son of King Charlemagne. This son, Pippin, is looking for the meaning to life and his place in it. Along the way, Pippin experiences war, murder, becoming king, and other delights of the flesh. Everything leaves him feeling empty and unfulfilled. It takes a farm, a widow, and a little boy to make Pippin realize that a simple life is just as fulfilling as an extraordinary one.

The original production of Pippin opened on Broadway in 1972 and featured a burlesque styled staging. Diane Paulus updated that idea and set the revival production in a circus ring with the troupe of players being portrayed as circus performers. This staging seems to work flawlessly for the storyline of Pippin. There is so much to see on this stage as performers soar, climb, and tumble throughout the performance space that one viewing of the show may not be enough to see everything. Luckily, this is a show that can be enjoyed over and over again.

The Leading Player in the revival is played by a woman, and this in no way takes away from the original character made famous by Ben Vereen. During the Atlanta engagement, Sasha Allen unfortunately does not appear as she is recovering from a wrist injury, but her understudy, Lisa Karlin, is just delightful. Never missing a note or a step, Karlin seemed to be incredibly comfortable stepping into the role. With the extreme demands the role includes, it is excellent to see such professionalism on the stage.

Kyle Dean Massey also makes a special appearance as Pippin for the Atlanta performances. This is lavish treat for Atlanta. Massey played the role of Pippin on Broadway and is also known for his Broadway performances in Next to Normal, Wicked, and Xanadu. Massey's embodies Pippin perfectly, and it is uplifting to watch his journey from immature soldier boy to "not-so-extraordinary" man. There are moments in the show that display how excited the cast is to be performing with Massey on tour, so everyone benefits from Massey's performance, especially the audience.

The national tour of Pippin features another treat. John Rubinstein, Broadway's original Pippin, plays King Charlemagne and does so with great gusto. Rubinstein's comic timing is on point and pairs well with his female lead, Sabrina Harper as Fastrada. Harper's "Spread a Little Sunshine" is a magical whimsy, and her dancing proves she is not your average "housewife and mother".

Other standout performances include Kristine Reese's performance as Catherine whose voice soars through the Fox Theater in both "Kind of Woman" and "I Guess I'll Miss The Man". Adrienne Barbeau's "No Time At All" may be the best number in the show, and her performance as Berthe is a gem.

Arguably the best production in the 2014-2015 Broadway in Atlanta season, this revival tour of Pippin is not to be missed. The content of the show may be inappropriate for younger children, but as a common high school performance selection due to the show's message, the show is appropriate for older children.

Pippin plays Atlanta's Fabulous Fox Theater (660 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, Ga) May 5, 2015 -May 10, 2015. Tickets can be purchased at the Fox Theater Box Office, foxtheatre.org, or by calling 855-285-8499.

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