A Destiny to Fulfill

Sean P. Lambe as Pippin (center) and the cast of Pippin at Sunset Playhouse. Photo credit: George Katsekes

A review of Pippin

by Benjamin Earnest, age 13

This production of the musical Pippin at Sunset Playhouse was indeed showstopping. Pippin tells a story of the title character, the son of the historical figure King Charlemagne, who is trying to find something that would make his life fulfilling. Some might call this a “play-within-a-play” because all these actors are scripted to perform the story by the Lead Player, portrayed by Sarah Cunningham, who is trying to educate the audience on the message of this story. Throughout the musical, Pippin tries many different lifestyles and jobs suggested by the Player, but nothing ever feels like what Pippin needs in his life. This production demonstrates not only raw talent, but also amazing choreography and vocals.

With the show’s opening number "Magic to Do," the actors hook us as audience members into the story. Since this show is packed with musical numbers, you know that they have to have complex choreography, in this production done by Vivian Romano, with dance captains Abby Bloomquist and Brycen Witt. The songs "Magic to Do," "Glory," "On the Right Track," and "No Time at All" display dance breaks in the 70s style.

Although most of the cast was ensemble, they all were amazingly balanced with their vocals thanks to Riley Luettgen (Vocal Director), whether it be solos or group numbers. One cast member that stood out was Sean P. Lambe, who played Pippin. He took on a vocally tough role to pull off, but I really heard how clear his voice is in "Corner of the Sky," which is very much a tenor-based song. I also enjoyed the performances by Bryce Giammo and Leah Lewandowski, who played the roles of Lewis and Fastrada, Pippin’s brother and stepmother. Fastrada is spoiling Lewis and both characters are very self -absorbed. Even though Lewis is younger than Pippin, Leah shows that Fastrada is willing to do anything to make Lewis the heir of the throne. The song "War Is a Science" demonstrates how non-realistic their concept of a battle is. This is conveyed simply through the soldiers almost immediately winning their battles and Pippin’s father slaughtering all who denied his faith.

An entertaining aspect of this musical is that they break the fourth wall many times. In "No Time at All," Pippin’s grandmother Berthe, who is played by Joyce Garbaciak, is explaining to Pippin that at his age he has all the time he wants to live a life. During the song Berthe lets the audience sing the chorus THREE times off of a poster. Something that clearly stood out was when the Leading Player would argue with the actors that they aren’t doing a good job at selling the story to the audience and Pippin. This was especially noticeable at the end when the Player strips all of the lights and set and costumes away because Pippin doesn’t follow what the cast is guiding him to do. Pippin embraces what his life would be with a family and works with them to live a normal life without special effects to make him pop out.

As some may know, Stephen Schwartz wrote the music to Pippin as well as Godspell and the now famous Wicked. His style was certainly recognizable as the beginning of "No One Mourning the Wicked" compared to his music in Pippin, like "Magic to Do" and transitional music. So if you have seen and felt appealed to any of the musicals above, you may consider watching Pippin. Also Bob Fosse choreographed Cabaret, Chicago, and Pippin, so if you like his style of dancing, you might like Pippin's.

To finalize, Sunset Playhouse’s production of Pippin was great and will continue to be. Tickets are still available for the show dates October 16-November 2.