Pippin
at Friends Select School

Reviewed on November 22, 2014

Lucy Silbaugh
Abington Friends School
Submitted for publication to Inquirer-1

Trying to find your place in the world, becoming disillusioned by your parents, dabbling in everything, fruitlessly searching for "meaning" -- can anyone imagine a play whose themes resonate more with the quandaries of adolescence? With its unusual premise and 70's-pop-style score, Pippin is a popular favorite that Friends' Select School performed commendably on Saturday night.

Increasingly popular because of its 2013 Broadway revival, Pippin is a Tony-Award winning musical written by Roger O. Hirson and scored by Stephen Schwartz. The story follows Pippin, the son of King Charlemagne, who is guided by a mysterious troupe of "Players" in a quest to find his 'corner of the sky' -- his purpose in life.

The linchpin of Friends' Select's performance was its strong vocals: from the smoky power of Angela Bey (Leading Player) to the sensitive and musical serenades of Ben Abrams (Pippin) to the sweetly seraphic tones of Mary Graham (Catherine). Throughout the show, the cast was most perceptive and energetic during the musical numbers, animating equally the play's melodic ballads and catchy, foot-tapping favorites.

As the Leading Player, Angela Bey anchored the show with her consistent energy, well-timed humor, and limber dance moves. Glamorous in her glittery green mask and chic jacket, Bey embodied the magical realism central to the story. Other strong leads included Abrams (Pippin) and Graham (Catherine), who each displayed moments of true theatrical perspicacity.

Among the supporting cast, Emily Augenbraun and Alexander Giganti stood out in their roles as Berthe and Lewis, respectively. Augenbraun crackled with energy during her featured song "No Time at All," inspiring the audience to tap their toes and even, at times, to sing along with her. Giganti provided well-timed comedy, committing to his jokes and winning many hoots and chuckles from the audience.

One of the strongest aspects of the show was its choreography, designed by Donnay Burden. At times subtly striking and at others marvelously complex (take, for example, the deliciously malicious moves in "Spread a Little Sunshine"), the dance numbers served many purposes, amplifying tension in fraught scenes and infusing the upbeat group numbers with color and zeal. Another masterful touch was the set, designed by Chris Keppel. With its simple palette and stenciled shapes, the two-tiered facade charmingly evoked a gothic castle.The orchestra pit proved a strong buttress for the vocalists -- special kudos goes to Chris Burcheri, lead pianist and conductor, who deftly followed actors' cues, held the rest of the ensemble together, and demonstrated remarkable musical facility.

Overall, Friends' Select presented a remarkable interpretation of Pippin, especially notable for its strong vocals, gripping choreography, and stellar technical elements.

Jane Bradley
The Baldwin School
Submitted for publication to Inquirer-2

Pippin, a woeful and emotional tale of finding oneself, is a psychological thriller of sorts, leaving audiences to wonder what their own life has meant. The Friends Select School was able to pull of this production with ease on Saturday night. Presented through a fabulous ensemble effort, Pippin's cast had members whose talents ranged from vocal dexterity to dancing ability.

As soon as Pippin (Ben Abrams) was chosen from the audience to portray his role minutes into the plot, spectators felt as essential to the production as any member of the cast, making the viewing experience both fascinating and enjoyable. As the title character attempted to find the one true purpose of his life through a series of misguided ventures, laughs and gasps ensued. From a bedraggled soldier to a feeble, temporary king, Pippin tries and fails to do almost everything within his reach, coming to the conclusion that a simple life is the key to a fulfilling life.

Angela Bey (short for "Beyoncé", perhaps? A fitting title, at any rate...) put forth a deliciously creepy performance as Leading Player. A ringleader of sorts, Bey brought a complicated energy to the stage that allowed the audience to watch her spiral from an animated friend into a sinister demon. A performance complete with sporadic dance moves, hair-raising vocals and zestful acting, Bey has convinced me that this won't be the last time I see her on stage.

The show would not have been complete, of course, without Alexander Giganti in the role of Lewis, idiotic stepbrother to Pippin. Giganti was able to thoroughly convince the audience of his character's folly with a forceful comedic performance that stole many scenes. His duet (Spread a Little Sunshine) with S-Netchem Castro-Dockery (Fastrada) was one of the best numbers in the show and allowed for Castro-Dockery to display her own enthralling acting chops. A shoutout is also due to Emily Augenbraun as Berthe. Hilarious, vocally equipped and perfect for her role, Augenbraun was refreshing to watch.

A beautifully constructed set (designed by student Chris Keppel) complemented the acting onstage without distracting from any of the goings-on. Not to be forgotten is the student orchestra, a group that provided the gorgeous score in a creative manner.

An engaging cast performing an enthralling play; what could be better? Bravo to the cast and crew of Pippin, who pulled off a mesmerizing feat.

Hayley Moore
Sun Valley High School
Submitted for publication to The Weekly Press

Everyone aspires to find their true calling. Are they meant to lead? Are they to become an artist? Fall in love? Well, Prince Pippin is no exception. In Friends Select School's production of Pippin, you follow the troubling journey of a young prince looking for his corner of the sky.

Pippin is one of the most under-appreciated Tony award-winning musicals. Originally directed on Broadway by Bob Fosse, it follows the fictitious life of Pippin, Charlemagne's eldest son. Though the setting is long ago, the show represents the current thoughts of doubt, the lack of role models, and the trials young people go through today to find out who they are in the world.

In this production of Pippin, everyone contributed wonderfully to making the show shine. The creativity started from the beginning when Pippin was a person pulled from the audience. Though a small cast, the talent was plentiful. The energy was slow in the first act, but in the second act, the twists had me on the edge of my seat.

Pippin and Lead Player were remarkable in the way they portrayed their character. The Lead Player, played by Angela Bey, was a source of intensity throughout the entire performance. Her vocals in the song "Glory" were particularly strong. Pippin, taken on by Ben Abrams, had his vocals and personality showcased in his song "Extraordinary". The talent only grew as the plot did.

The supporting cast also held up the show's intensity. Louis, played by Alexander GiGanti, was memorable from the moment he entered. I also noticed the ensemble member who stepped out later as Theo stayed energetic and in character throughout her entire performance as a Player. However, some ensemble performances were a bit off with the choreography, such as "War is a Science".

Without the backdrop of the stage, the show would not have been complete. It was absolutely beautiful and really added to the setting. Also, the costume for Louis was very bright and stood out, like his character. The fog machine in the finale also added to the impact the finale had on the audience.

I had never seen Pippin before last night, and I'm glad this was my first experience with it. The talent and pure enjoyment I sat through was something to be proud of. Pippin surely found his corner of the sky, but I pray for the Lead Player's next victim.