BWW Reviews: PIPPIN Enchants Nashville Audiences

The touring production of PIPPIN landed in Nashville Tuesday night to begin their week of magic and mystery at Tennessee Performing Arts Center. This Stephen Schwartz classic holds a timeless story, evident in both the initial popularity (the show ran on Broadway in its original production from 1972-1977), and in this more recent production, which ran for nearly two years and won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical. Comedy and tragedy in one, PIPPIN transcends generations and touches everyone who sees Pippin's story unfold.

The story, told by Leading Player, introduces us to a young Pippin, fresh out college and ready to find his purpose in life. As the audience shares Pippin's journey, we see all the ways in which he searches for his own place in the world, and in all the ways he fails and succeeds. Each time, Leading Player leads Pippin on to something new. And each time, Pippin still finds himself unfulfilled and slightly disappointed.

Familiar songs like "Corner of the Sky," "Magic to Do," "No Time at All," and "Love Song" will ring familiar in the ears of many. The new staging of the production has been set in a circus, with scenic design by Scott Pask and lighting design by Kenneth Posner. Mixed with illusions by Paul Kieve and help from Les 7 doigts de la main, PIPPIN brings stunning visuals. Put simply, the show will grab audiences with its magic, both literal and figurative.

There is some amazing talent with this touring production. Sasha Allen and Sam Lips lead the cast as Leading Player and Pippin, respectively. Allen commands the stage with a power-house voice and the ability to make you love Leading Player in spite of her harsher aspects. Lips transitions throughout the show, taking Pippin from young and ready to conquer the world, and ages him through a life littered with successes and disappointments.

Pippin's father Charles, played by John Rubinstein, and Pippin's grandmother Berthe, played by Priscilla Lopez, are extra special additions to the cast. Rubinstein originated the role of Pippin in the original Broadway production. Lopez was also a part of the original production. Rubinstein's Charles represents everything a father is to a son, in all the good and bad ways. His comedic timing adds many laughs to the show and makes the character of Charles endearing, though Charles is often a bully and closed off to the needs of those around him. Lopez brings the house down with her performance of "No Time at All," both vocally, and by the aerial acrobatics that happen during her number.

Another vocal powerhouse in the cast, Kristine Reese, plays Catherine, our Pippin's love interest. Reese brings depth and comedy to Catherine. Lucas Schultz plays Theo, Catherine's son. Schultz brings much talent to the stage and plays well off Reese and Lips.

PIPPIN covers so many different aspects of everyday life, in an extraordinary way. Perhaps the line that struck me the most was in the finale; "I wanted such a little thing from life; I wanted so much." How true that can be for so many people. PIPPIN entrances and brings joy to all ages. Adults can identify with Pippin's journey for fulfillment, young people can appreciate the circus aspect of the show, including the magic and acrobatics, and all can enjoy the music and lyrics of Stephen Schwartz.

PIPPIN plays at Tennessee Performing Arts Center through March 15. You can purchase tickets by visiting their website, or by calling the box office at 615-782-4040.

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