“Pippin”

Highly Recommended **** Here it is October and this year, all is quiet in Wrigleyviile. Or is it? The Mercury Theater has a stunning production of “Avenue Q” on its stage ( now running thru the end of the year), and in its quaint little sister venue, The Venus Cabaret, they have a modern version of Stephen Schwartz and Roger G. Hirson’s “Pippin”. Southport is alive and well with great entertainment. “Pippin” which has an added line “in pursuit of an extraordinary life” dates back to the days of Viet Nam, 1972. The original production was staged and choreographed by Bob Fosse ( how fitting that Fosse was raised less than two miles from this new venue) and director L. Walter Stearns and choreographer Brenda Didier capture the heart and soul of this legend in the world of “musical theater” with their interpretation of the characters and the dance numbers. Yes, you will see derbies, top hats, white gloves and canes ( of all types)!

“Pippin” was revived with some minor changes in 2013, and while this production, in the very intimate ( 80 seats, cabaret style) does not have the Circus-like performances, it does have the magic that this story brings forward. Pippin, who is the heir to the Frankish Throne (Koray Tarhan, starts off slow, but as the show goes on shows his amazing talents) is unhappy with how things are. He is seeking true happiness and only wants to be extraordinary. He feels it is time to step forward ( after getting his education) just like his half- brother , Lewis ( played to perfection by Adam Fane) and fight some wars. meet some women and take over the rule of the lands. Will this get him to where his dreams will be realized?

To do this, he must also dispose of his father,Charles, ruler of the land ( Chicago favorite Don Forston). Of course, his step-mother, Lewis’s mother, Fastrada ( played to perfection by Sawyer Smith) seeks ways so that her son can take the power, not Pippin. One cannot forget the character of Berthe, Pippin’s Grandmother ( Iris Lieberman will knock your socks off in this role). Her sing-along number with the audience is wonderful! The ensemble of Kayla Boyle and Michael Rawls are highly energetic and seem to always be on or close to the stage.

The Leading Player ( a stand out performance by Donterrio Johnson, who should be nominated for a Jeff for this one) is our storyteller, narrator and controls the events that we see. Oh, Pippin does dispose of his father and takes over the kingdom, only to find that doing this is not really an “Extraordinary Life”. So he gives it all back and goes on to meet Catherine ( a delightful performance by Nicole Armold) who has a young son, Theo ( adorably played by Gabriel Robert). They have a farm that he must work and life becomes far from extraordinary…or does it? Can a normal life, for some be “extraordinary “? Even in today’s political mess, the message of this delightful show is clear!

If you have yet to see a show at the new Venus Cabaret, you are in for a treat. Maybe, even more that a treat. The intimate space, just next to the Mercury ( please note that the marquee does not mention “Pippin”) at 3741 N. Southport is set up with tables and chairs, a wall/counter and then tables and stools, allowing for 80 or so audience members to experience the evening. The actors in the show are also servers during the performance. Yes, there is a bar ( self-serve) but each patron will be served a delightful empanada filled with bacon and cheese. during the show, a mixed veggie punch drink will be brought to you ( during the first act)- yummy but hard to define.

The actors are on a stage but run thru the theater and often are as close to you as the person sitting next to you. A unique theatrical experience awaits you at Venus. The musical direction as always is done by Eugene Dizon ,with the three musicians , Andrew Milliken , conductor/ piano, Diego Salcedo  and Courtney Anne McNally right on stage. There is some magic in the set design with four mirrors that are used for the many projections (G. “Max” Maxin IV) and the lighting (Dustin L. Derry) and sound (Carl Wahlstrom) are fitting. The costumes (Rachel Boylan) are incredible. This show  without the circus performances has all the magic that “Pippin” was meant to have, and more! The ending is just a little different than previous productions. Part of that might just be in which we are living.. It could also be Stearns reaching back into his own interpretation allowing us to gain hope and that we can find extraordinary even in the ordinary ( or what appears to be ordinary). Thank you Walter!

You can see this show ( suggested for audiences of 15 and up) thru November 18th with performances as follows:

Thursdays  7:30 p.m.

Fridays  7:30 p.m.

Saturdays 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.

Sundays  2:30 p.m.

October 31st there will be a special 7:30 p.m. show ( how fitting for Halloween)

running time 2 hours -10 minutes with a 15 minute intermission.

Tickets range from $60-$65 and can be purchased at the box office, by calling 773-325-1700 or at www.MercuryTheaterChicago.com

Valet parking is available and of course, there is dining next door at Grassroots and on Southport galore.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Pippin”