Magic to Do

Pippin – Mercury Theatre

 

There is a quiet moment near the beginning of Stephen Schwartz’s loosely-based historical musical during which Charlemagne advises his son upon his University homecoming that “Home is where the heart is.” Pippin won’t understand the implications of this advice until the play’s unconventional finale. However, in his quest for meaning, Pippin explores all his options, trying his hand at war, religion, hedonism and rebellion, before finally finding love with a young widow and helping manage her estate and young son. Pippin eventually comes to understand his father’s wisdom, that in order to achieve personal fulfillment and freedom he needs to love and be loved. As the show nears its conclusion Pippin finally sings, “If I’m never tied to anything, I’ll never be free.” That, in a phrase, is the heart and soul of this beloved musical. 

But it’s Pippin’s often humorous, sometimes poignant personal journey, set to an infectious pop/rock score, peppered with image-laden lyrics, and performed by a dazzlingly multitalented cast and onstage band, that truly captures us. Through the young prince’s adventures, we come to like every single member of this tiny band of players. While entertaining with pizzazz and spectacle, this musical also offers many heartbreaking, intimate moments that teach and motivate, setting this once under-appreciated 1972 show above the others. In this intimate, newly re-imagined, scaled-down production by Mercury Theater, creatively staged in their chic Venus Cabaret venue, audiences will revel in this show that earned four Tony Awards in 2013, including Best Revival of a Musical.

Visionary Chicago Director L Walter Stearns once again works closely with his Musical Director, the gifted Eugene Dizon, and Choreographer Supreme, Brenda Didier, to bring this dazzling, intimate version of the show to life. The toe-tapping score, by Composer/Lyricist Stephen Schwartz (“Wicked,” “Godspell”), is beautifully sung by a brilliant, 10-member ensemble cast. It’s accompanied by Andrew Milliken on piano while conducting Diego Salcedo, on guitar, and Courtney Ann McNally, on percussion.

This ensemble cast is, indeed, “Extraordinary.” The magnificent, Jeff Award-winning Donterrio Johnson is a handsome, sexy, lithe Leading Player, with all the enthusiasm and feistiness necessary to keep the proceedings “On the Right Track.” Scrappy and sassy, with feline moves and devilish allure, Mr. Johnson drives this production, piloting Pippin through his journey of self-discovery, while promising his audience an unforgettably spectacular finale. Some theatergoers may hold treasured memories of Ben Vereen and Patina Miller in this iconic role, but Donterrio takes the reins and makes the character all his own. Bravo to this terrific artist for such gumption.

Good-looking, boy-next-door actor and Chicago newcomer, Koray Tarhan plays the title role with a dramatic confidence that builds nicely with each scene. He holds the audience in the palm of his hand with his beautiful, soulful “Corner of the Sky.” Mr. Tarhan’s rendition of “With You,” a hauntingly gorgeous love song, turns comical as he sensuously frolics with the ensemble; and he closes the first act with a moving anthem of hope and determination entitled “Morning Glow.” Act II opens with Tarhan and Johnson looking for “The Right Track,” during which both actors demonstrate their brisk dancing skill. Pippin bemoans his mundane duties as head of the estate in “Extraordinary,” and later shares one of the show’s best ballads with Catherine, the young widow who rescued him. Together Tarhan, with the excellent Nicole Arnold, sing the exquisite “Love Song,” a beautiful melody that says so much with only a few words. Ms. Arnold is truly one of this production’s standout performers. She leaves us with her musical confession, “I Guess I’ll Miss the Man,” a song that hits home with audiences. Like everyone in this cast, Nicole Arnold plays both an actor in this troupe of players, as well as a character who shapes Pippin’s expedition to enlightenment. She does this with honesty peppered with humor and humility, creating an unforgettable Catherine.

One of Chicago’s most respected and talented veteran actors, Don Forston, plays Charles the Great, the powerful King of the Holy Roman Empire, and Pippin’s father. Employing a nice balance of command and comedy, Mr. Forston portrays this ruler as strong and imposing, yet, at times, a little impish. Thus Forston’s Charlemagne, at least in this production, is a more endearing character. His challenging patter song, “War is a Science” is a study in excellent vocal training and articulation.

This production features another talented veteran of the Chicago musical stage, the effervescent and gifted Iris Lieberman. She plays Pippin’s swinging grandmother, Berthe. Known for her fine work all over the Windy City, Ms. Lieberman absolutely steals this show. She’s featured in the electrifying opening number, as just one of the players, while also popping up in other ensemble numbers, as well. But Ms. Lieberman’s star turn comes in the middle of Act I with her show-stopping, “No Time at All.” Mr. Tarhan may have the audience in the palm of his hand, but Ms. Lieberman has every theatergoer tightly wrapped in her loving embrace. Flashing a radiant, pixie-like smile, Iris Lieberman sings this inspirational ditty, instructing her grandson (and the audience) to live each day to its fullest. The actress romps with the ensemble, encouraging the audience to sing along with her, as the chorus is flashed on the four LED screens. Ms. Lieberman deserves the tribute she achieves to her talent, skill and charisma.

Mega talented Chicago actor/singer/dancer and choreographer, Sawyer Smith is lissome, lascivious and gender-bending as the very funny, conniving and flirtatious Fastrada, Charles’ beautiful second wife. Playful and feigning innocence, she’ll stop at nothing to see that her hunky, simpleminded son, Louis, played here with athletic, choreographic and vocal skill by Chicago’s handsome Adam Fane, will one day assume the throne. These two actors serve up some of the musical’s funniest and best-danced moments. Two other exceptional performers who stand out in the ensemble, are Kayla Boye and Michael Rawls. Both of these talented triple-threats demonstrate a commitment to their characters, brilliant vocal talent and astounding dance skills. And last, but certainly not least, young Gabriel Robert is both precious and precocious as Theo. The little boy’s sweet face and earnest line delivery are stellar, especially in such a youthful performer. Chicago audiences are sure to be seeing more of this talented actor in near future.

This resplendent production, with exciting video designs by G. “Max” Maxin IV, superb lighting courtesy of Dustin L. Derry and gorgeous black-and-white costumes by Rachel Boylan, is only slated to play through mid-December. It deserves a much longer run. An infectious, heartwarming production, laced with so much humor and pathos, sends audiences out into the chilly Autumn night appreciating that, like themselves, even a prince may suffer doubts about life. Stephen Schwartz understood that those qualms were as universal as love, death and paying taxes. He painted a portrait of a young man searching, like every one of us, for his “Corner of the Sky.” Most audience members will know where this journey is headed. But joining Pippin on his voyage to enlightenment will bring unbridled joy to audiences looking for their own “Magic to Do.”

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas  

 

Presented October 13-December 16 by Mercury Theatre in their new Venus Cabaret Stage, 3745 N. Southport, Chicago.

Tickets are available at the box office, by calling 773-325-1700 or by going to www.MercuryTheaterChicago.com.

 

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.