Pippin Reviews

Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended

"...In Artistic Director Jeffrey Cass' version, audiences will get to enjoy a hybrid of some of the new script and lyric changes, but a show that's much more faithful to the original 70's production. Not only breaking the fourth wall, but even wandering through the audience at times, Mr. Cass creatively uses the concept of a mysterious performance troupe, led by a charismatic Leading Player."

Chicago On Stage - Highly Recommended

"...I love the show Pippin and the BrightSide Theatre in Naperville added a layer of quaint suburban charm to this classic piece. I continue to be amazed by the caliber of talent found across the Chicagoland theater scene, and both O’Brien and Posey were particularly strong standouts. Posey—remarkably making her musical theatre debut—commanded the stage with her powerful vocals and an expressiveness that shifts effortlessly between cheerfully engaging and subtly sinister. Her Leading Player radiated charisma and danger in equal measure. O’Brien, meanwhile, brought both mesmerizing vocal finesse and emotional range to the role of Pippin, embodying the character’s innocence, idealism, and growing frustration with the life around him."

Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended

"...Pippin is a realistic musical about life in a fairy tale setting. It is set in Emperor Charlemagne's France, yet its themes resonate with the here and now in America. Prince Pippin is Charlemagne's eldest son, coming of age. He is on a sojourn to find himself, fulfillment, and an extraordinary life. This musical has no historical accuracy besides the names and medieval-style costumes. Stan Austin aptly fits the role of an obsessed mighty warrior and uninvolved father. Ironically, his profile asserts he is a distant relative of Charlemagne. His second wife, Fastrada, is portrayed by Michelle Bollinger, who is comically entertaining. She plays the money-grubbing, gold-digger, intent on making her son, simple Lewis, the next king."

BroadwayWorld - Highly Recommended

"...Under the direction of Jeffrey Cass, this ensemble of 16, plus an amazing orchestra conducted by Phil Videckis, brings Schwartz' fantasy to new life. Aria Brynne's choreography is stellar. Cheryl Newman's costumes are eye-popping: beautiful colors and styles. Pippin is the last production of the current season. I believe most of us can say we have strived to live an exemplary life. Pippin gives you options to ponder. As you watch this production, let the pondering begin."

NewCity Chicago - Recommended

"...With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz ("Godspell," "Wicked") and a book by Roger Hirson ("Walking Happy"), "Pippin" was a Broadway hit in 1972. Bob Fosse was the original Broadway director and choreographer. Being a seventies musical, "Pippin" is edgier and darker than the big 1940s musicals like "Brigadoon," with ambiguity, sequins and fishnet stockings."