The leads are great. Rachel Cupples is the new Ben Vereen singing-dancing machine promising a grand finale as she points Pippin to each successive adventure. Adam Woolsey brings his wonderful soaring voice and believable dedication/confusion as Pippin, son of Charlemagne (Drew Dorman), on a quest to be “extraordinary.” A newly blonde Robert Mueller was FABulous as Pippin's preening, flexing half brother, being primed for succession by his scheming hussy mother Fastrada (Tricia Rogers.) Oralya Garza played Berthe, Pippin's grandmother, strutting her, singing/sashaying talents in support of the hedonistic lifestyle. Sarah Hayner brought her signature endearing sincerity to the role of Catharine, the “average, ordinary, wonderful girl” with her adorable, stubborn sassy son Theo (a talented 8-year old Camryn Cardwell).
As if these great characters were not enough, the “Band of Players” (Wyatt Anthony, Erin Biel, Alaina Brenner, Zack Freeman, Mandy Fuller, Jackson Hall, Kelly Lofton, Alexis Loy-Alberta, Kathryn Mulcajhy, Kristin Pagels, and Gabe Pitman) was sensational and integral, with wow! choral singing (Music Direction John Dale Smith) and impressive Fosse-esque choreography by Amanda Tollstam, assisted by Maribeth Robertson. And they looked amazing. Laura Croff’s makeup was dazzling, creative and a little creepy. Costumes by Kris Maier and Chris Kennedy were a circus-y kaleidoscope. Hair design by Lori Bailey Smith complemented the look.
The set featured a circus floor motif by Eric Chatfield and the set design (Aja Jenks) made creative use of two rolling ladder units - under a ceiling festooned with “big top” strings of lights … that was both “set” and “lighting”?… (James B. Brunk III. lighting design) It all worked together to create many needed locales in a smooth and stylish manner.
This is an entertaining and thought-provoking musical - one of my all-time faves. Be sure to check out Director Meghan’s Note for more insight. Note that it is pretty PG-13 with its orgy scene other sexual references, and artful violence. Good seats are still available this weekend. I wouldn’t be surprised if it sells out next weekend. Call today 517-482-5700 - or reserve online.
http://www.riverwalktheatre.com