Before attending last nights opening of PIPPIN, I had never heard of it. I asked around and no one seemed to know either. But the one thing I can tell you today is that everyone will know PIPPIN really soon because that is all anyone that has seen it is talking about! Think Chicago meets Cirque Du Soleil with lots of jazz, magical illusions and love!
After a 40 year break PIPPIN is back and ready to meet the demands of theatre goers in the 21st century. Directed by Tony winner Diane Paulus and featuring a musical score from the composer of Wicked, PIPPIN is here to take you to new heights, both on stage and in your mind.
The music is catchy – one scene calls for the audience to sing along, the acrobatic feats are amazing and the magical illusions are astounding – “How did she do that?”! While everyone plays an integral part in the show, some of the actors truly stand out and steal the show.
From the Leading Player at opening night, Lisa Karlin – what an amazing voice, grace on stage and unbelievably talented actor, to the funny antics of King Charles aka Charlemagne the Great aka Pippin’s father, played by John Rubinstein, and of course Pippin played by Sam Lips – cute, courageous and totally relate-able in his quest for true happiness and fulfillment.
Heir to the Frankish throne, the young prince Pippin is in search of the secret to true happiness and fulfillment. He seeks it in the glories of the battlefield, the temptations of the flesh and the intrigues of political power (after disposing of his father King Charlemagne the Great). In the end, though, Pippin finds happiness lies not in extraordinary endeavours, but rather the un-extraordinary moments that happen every day.
Check out the highlights from PIPPIN on Broadway featuring the original Broadway cast:
THE SEASON’S BEST MUSICAL, JAZZ HANDS DOWN! A combination of EPIC THEATER, BURLESQUE and SOULFUL SPECTACLE that recaptures the show’s SHINY ALLURE and its POIGNANCE while making it seem ENTIRELY FRESH! – USA Today
DIANE PAULUS DELIVERS A WORTHY SPECTACLE.PIPPIN is like getting two shows for one. The audience gets the musical story of a young man’s search for meaning, and a side show of Cirque du Soleil to boot.” – Boston Herald
PIPPIN features sizzling choreography by Tony Award nominee Chet Walker in the style of Bob Fosse and circus creation of breathtaking acrobatics by Gypsy Snider of the Montreal-based circus company Les 7 doigts de la main (also known as 7 Fingers) the creative force behind the nationwide sensation Traces. PIPPIN is noted for many Broadway standards including “Corner of the Sky,” “Magic To Do,” “Glory,” “No Time at All,” “Morning Glow,” and “Love Song.” PIPPIN, the most nominated Broadway show of 2013, won four 2013 Tony® Awards including Best Revival of a Musical, Best Direction of a Musical (Diane Paulus), Best Actress in a Musical (Patina Miller) and Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Andrea Martin).
PIPPIN is recommended for mature audiences, runs for 2 hours and 30 minutes, which includes one 15 minute intermission. Food, snacks and beverages are available for purchase. Please check with an usher prior to purchase to inquire if they are permitted inside the theater for this performance.
There are 14 shows left to choose from, playing in the evenings on weekdays, weekends and early showings on weekends. Perfect for a date night or a girls night out! Remember, the fun in Fort Lauderdale ends on April 12, 2015 and shows are selling out quickly! Tickets to see PIPPIN start at a budget friendly price of just $34.75 and are available for purchase online at www.browardcenter.org or by phone 800-745-3000.
For more information on the production and video sneak peeks, be sure to visit the official website. You can find the PIPPIN on social media platforms Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. Get social with PIPPIN using #ISawPippin.
The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 SW Fifth Avenue, Ft Lauderdale, FL, 33312. Be sure to visit Broadway Across America for details about upcoming Broadway shows coming to South Florida!
Disclosure: Mama’s Mission was not compensated for this post. I received media tickets to attend this performance; however, all opinions are 100% my own. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
