Review: PIPPIN at Florida Gulf Coast University

"Pippin," the magical Stephen Schwartz fable, launches both the FGCU season and (maybe?) its musical theatre program. Here's my review.


FGCU blazes magical, musical trail with 'Pippin'
http://www.gonaples.com/news/2013/oct/04/review-fgcu-theatrelab-pippin/

While not perfect (no one expects it to be), "Pippin" captures the rambunctious, free-spirited delight of its rowdy '70s origins. A diverse cast, beaming with smiles and dressed in a rainbow of borrowed costumes unite in a bright, funky circus vibe. Full credit to the ensemble - from first to last - each commits to the outrageous, fun-loving and over-the-top spirit. The array of stripes, prints, glitter, flowers, feathers, sequins, greasepaint and more - all looking as if it emerged from the bottom of a moth-eaten trunk - gives "Pippin" an air of tattered, faded decadence. Occasional squeals of feedback, a bare stage and voices that aren't Martha Raye or Irene Ryan give the show a ring of authenticity. This is college theatre. This is the 1970s - and the Janis Joplin feel of the lyrics never felt so beautiful. read the full review...

Talking "Pippin" and musical theatre with Sawyer True
http://ndnstagedoor.blogspot.com/2013/10/pippin-preview-sawyer-true.html

The Oakride Middle student, who shared the role of Gavroche in the Naples Players production of "Les Miserables" this summer, appears throughout the second act as droll, deadpan, drop-dead-funny Theo. "I'm Theo," Sawyer told me over the phone. "I'm Catherine's son. I carry around a duck. He's like my best friend." read the full preview...