My friend and noted poet, Peter M. Gordon, reviewed Pippin at the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden on September 14, 2024, 2024.
Rob Winn Anderson’s new production of Pippin at the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden is one of the best local productions of a musical in recent memory. The cast sings and dances with great skill, energy, and humor, but what elevates this show above other productions is director Anderson’s decision to cast deaf actors Lane Breimhorst, as Pippin, and Treshelle Edmond, as one of two Leading Players.
The show’s story, about a young man trying to find his place in the world, is magnified and deepened by Breimhort’s moving performance, which illustrates for the audience that no matter how evocative and theatrical his signing is, his Pippin is always on the outside looking in. The rest of the cast signs when acting with Pippin, and Anderson’s created some very moving moments when the cast signs without speech.
Pippin begins with a troupe of traveling players welcoming the audience to an evening of “intrigue, humor, romance, sex, illusion, and battles, barbarous and bloody,” in the iconic song “Magic to Do.” Pippin, Charlemagne’s oldest son, is back from college, eager to find his place in the world. He tries several things including soldiering, traveling, romance, and leading a revolt against his father. He finds peace and love on a small estate with a widow and her son, but will Pippin leave that place to join the troupe in the magnificent finale they promised the audience?
The show establishes early that they’re all actors playing parts, which allows them to interact directly with the audience, most notably Megan Orlowski as Berthe, Pippin’s grandmother, who gets everyone singing along in the crowd pleasing “No Time at All.” Tay Anderson’s vaudevillian turn as Fastrada, Charlemagne’s conniving second wife, makes her solo “Spread a Little Sunshine” a showstopper. Samm Carroll as Catherine, the widow, and Callahan Taylor as Theo, her son, create a believable, grounded family for Pippin, and sing their songs very well.
Cindy Bonnett Wilson’s choreography makes great use of the Garden Theatre’s relatively small stage, and the Ensemble executes the songs and dances with great energy. Christopher Russell as Pippin’s father handles the swordplay and dancing in “Glory” with equal aplomb.
Special notice should be given Treshelle Edmond and Remi Veronica, who share the Leading Player role, with Edmond signing and Veronica supplying the voice that leads Pippin through his journey with songs like “Glory,” “Simple Joys,” and “On the Right Track.”
Edwin J. Perez II, who plays Pippin’s Shadow, handles the singing and dialogue for the role, shows off a strong voice and acting chops in “Corner of the Sky” and “With You.” This reviewer saw Mr. Perez’ performance as Charley Kringas in Valencia College’s Merrily We Roll Along a few months ago, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him on Broadway someday.
J. Ethan Henry’s costumes evoke the early seventies, when the original show was created, George Jackson’s lighting enhances the show’s theatricality, as does Mark Adam Rampmeyer’s hair and make-up design. Pippin is a splendidly conceived and entertaining show. Run, don’t walk, to the Garden Theatre before it closes on September 15.
Pippin’s run has ended, but there are more great shows at the Garden Theatre. Be sure to check out their schedule. Up next is the Little Mermaid followed by Scrooge.