Review of 'Pippin' at Central CT State University

All photos courtesy of CCSU

Dedicated to my former student Kassandra Fruin and to the memory of her dear mother Melissa Murray

Oh, it's time to start livin'
Time to take a little from this world we're given
Time to take time, cause spring will turn to fall
In just no time at all.... - Stephen Schwartz in ‘No Time At All’

‘Pippin’ was an early work of Stephen Schwartz (the composer actually began to work on the songs for Pippin while still in college.) The book was written by Roger O. Hirson. Pippin, the title character in the show, is a royal heir caught between his boring duty and his desire for glory. The young man meets up with the very mysterious group of players, performers who relentlessly tempt him to throw caution to the wind to follow his dreams. At times very funny, at times a little dark, the show is certainly unique. I loved the most recent production on Broadway with Terrence Mann as King Charlemagne.

“...PIPPIN has proved above all else that its greatest asset is its malleability. Like the great works of Shakespeare, it seems PIPPIN can be set in any era, time, or place without losing its focus, poignancy, or message. It is that freedom and openness that has inspired this production.” - Director Stephen Amato

The direction of Stephen Amato, a Hartt School grad, was brilliant indeed. His ingenious use of this fabulous black box space truly immersed the audience into the action. If any of the respectful patrons missed the plea to keep the aisles clear, it became apparent how imperative it was to do so. The players entered and exited throughout the venue and interacted with the audience without crossing into intrusive. We were encouraged to play along and I couldn’t help but sing along on the choral parts. ‘Magic to Do” was an especially strong production number that opened the show and when Pippin (Michael Ruby) nailed my favorite “Corner of the Sky,” I knew this production would shine without heading to the circus as they had on B’way.

The scenic design by Christopher Hoyt and David E. Weaver was basic black except when it wasn’t. The costume design by Mr. Hoyt, Alex Corey and Sophie Firestone was quite inspired and complimented the various levels of the space. I loved the wide array of military uniforms for the war scene, and the hair and makeup by Alex Corey and Ms. Firestone complimented the fine costumes. CCSU t-shirts also became part of the show. Props by Erin Sagnelli featured some “blackboard” signs that worked well with the tone of this production, as well as cell phones, candles, long wands with tiny lights, beach balls, bubbles, boxes of popcorn and 3-D glasses.

“I’m so mad I made a sign!” - message seen on a handmade protest sign

Diana Lawler was the animated and well-dressed music director; in this production, the musicians get to do a bit of acting as well. The orchestra included Ms. Lawler on keyboard as she conducted the glorious score, Joe Pitassi on drums, Paul Bilodeau on bass, Aaron Read on guitar, Cassandra Ciullo on cello (seated close enough to me that I could read her score,) Michele Alicky on both flute and piccolo, Carla Stoddard on violin (wearing a great hat,) Jennafer Catania-Fregeau on flute, oboe, and English horn, Rachel Rubino on trumpet and Suzanne Christina on flute.

The choreography by Shayna Amato, an actor who appeared in the national tour of JCS with Ted Neeley, ranged from very good to stunning. ASL Coordinator was Becky Bank; sign language was interspersed into a few numbers. There were some issues with making out some lyrics and even dialogue for me; it really wasn’t because the orchestra was too loud, but may have been because I was sitting so close to the elevated pit. The lighting worked well for this intimate space; at times, the lights for the performers were shining in my eyes because of the way the audience was seated on three sides of the small stage. I didn’t really mind since it made us feel like were a part of the action. Terysa Malootian, in her final year at CCSU, was production stage manager.

This cast of university students were truly “Extraordinary” in every way. I heard nothing but strong singers; they were all fine dancers and 100% committed to their roles as “players.”

CCSU sophomore Jessica Irizarry, who I remembered from her role as Goddess of Water Agwe in ‘Once on this Island’ at Wolcott High School, was a stunning and strong Leading Player. This young performer was a triple threat in this dynamic role of the omnipotent narrator.

Michael Ruby, a CCSU junior, is an uber-talented triple threat and was outstanding in one of his dream roles, the title role of the ever-searching Pippin. What a voice this young performer has! I look forward to seeing Mr. Ruby on any stage. Kyra Culup, a third year student, was the calculating Fastrada and Sashana A. Binnie, who will graduate in May, was a very un-grandmotherly Berthe. Nick Carrano (fight choreographer) brought a little Gaston to the role of Lewis and made his performance very memorable. ‘Pippin’ marks Mr. Carrano’s 12th and final show at CCSU.

Senior Kyle Riedinger, who I have seen at Square Foot Theatre in Wallingford, was a standout in the role of King Charles; this young actor has such a strong stage presence and great comic timing; he sang very well on “War Is a Science.” Melody Zielke was a lovely Catherine. Steve Kalpin played her son Theo, the owner of a (wooden) duck. The rest of the talented players included Becky Bank, Kendra Garnett, Maria Franco, Sara Courtemanche, Erin Millane, Ryan Phelps, Jessica MacLean, Nicholas Pudlinski, Elisa Sormunen, Cassidy Phelps, Patryk Mathieu, Emma Wilcox, Sam Satagaj, Ivy Tebbetts and Chris Gallagher.

Join us...CCSU Center Stage Musical Theatre Club, United States Institute for Theatre Technology and Student Government Association Clubs present Pippin. Remaining Show Dates: Friday April 27th 7:30 pm, Saturday April 28th 7:30 pm, and Sunday April 29th 2:00 pm. Tickets at https://ccsu.showare.com/

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues and she posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and Connecticut Theater Previews and on Twitter @nancysjanis417