Photo by: Bart Gottula
Music, comedy, action, and sex are all a part of the play, Pippin, showed last weekend for students and the community at the Newman Center.
The production, adapted from the book by Roger O. Hirson, follows the story of a young prince, Pippin, and his search for true destiny.
Unfortunately, though, Pippin is torn between his father’s kingdom and his mother’s neglectful antics. After many failed chances to find true happiness and fulfillment, Pippin finally comes upon a widow and her son on a large farm. Pippin then continues to experience a lack of completion.
After careful consideration and words of advice, though, he comes to find his true fulfillment and “finale” in life.
The story, as complex and various as it may seem, is produced very well by the theater department. Each main actor gives his or her own style to every character.
The wit of Chris Johnson (King Charlemagne) and comical performance of Kevin St. John (Fastrada) were both very enjoyable. In addition, the excellent vocal performances of Jeffrey K. Graves (Pippin) and the entire cast were very memorable.
The smooth and quick-paced singing kept the audience on their feet with anticipation. Furthermore, the lighting and stage material truly created an excellent and realistic environment.
A variety of singers were constantly moving and acting about the three-story Byron Theater. The theater itself had a dark atmosphere with fog and lighting unique to each scene.
Rather than merely using basic spotlights, the show included floor lighting, a variety of colorful background lighting, and even images of leaves shown on the stage floor. Props were a major factor in drawing the audience into the story.
Each scene was full of realistic costumes, weapons, and a large piece of the stage that was lifted to create a bed for Pippin. Action also factored into the wonderful experience. The play was definitely not short of violence and sword fighting.
The comedy surrounding the action, however, is definitely a unique part to the play that sets it apart from other productions. Other notable aspects of the show are the use of the Byron Theater’s large environment and the play’s bold adult content.
In addition to singers surrounding the audience, actors climbed on top of a large platform that reached to the third level of the theater. The platform gave audience members the chance to view each actor at a closer level.
Finally, the adult content was a very refreshing, yet a very bold, aspect of the play. Audience members may be surprised to learn that the production may not be as a family-friendly as it seems during first glance. Although it is a college production, the play includes various sexual innuendos and some swearing. However, the inclusion of both truly gave the feel of a modern production.
Overall, Pippin is a very enjoyable experience and worth seeing at any venue. As always, the University of Denver Theater Department created a show that had style and class. Students who missed the first weekend showing have a chance to see the play again this upcoming weekend March 2, 3, and 4. Tickets range from $8 for students and $15 for general audience members.
