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Regional Reviews: Washington, D.C. Pippin
Director Matthew Gardiner, also the company's artistic director, and choreographer Rachel Leigh Dolan are presenting their artistic vision on the all-encompassing scenic design of Christopher & Justin Swader, allowing the shimmering floor–illuminated by Adam Honore's lighting design–to take on the character of numerous locations. Erik Teague's costume designs blend suggestions of the Renaissance with more modern (even punkish) flourishes, as well as both gilded robes and diaphanous white gowns. Not only is the production configured with seating on all four sides of the stage, but musical director Jon Kalbfleisch and his 11 musicians perform from a space located directly behind some of the seats. While the musical premiered on Broadway in 1972, Signature is using the revised script from the 2013 revival, with a powerful new ending that improves upon the original. Where to begin? Neal is a commanding presence as the ringmaster of this theatrical circus, with a rich and insinuating voice and a litheness to his every motion. This is his story to tell rather than Pippin's, he believes, and he's going to tell it his way. Bambino is touching as Pippin searches for his purpose in life–in ways sometimes broadly comic, other times quietly despairing. Other standouts are Naomi Jacobson as Pippin's frisky grandmother, Maria Rizzo as his cheerfully insincere stepmother, Eric Hissom as his pragmatic father, and Awa Sal Secka, radiant as the woman who changes Pippin's life. Ellison Bihm is a charmer as Secka's young son. Pippin runs through July 26, 2026, at Signature Theatre, MAX Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington VA. For tickets and information, please call 703-820-9771 or visit www.SigTheatre.org. Book by Roger O. Hirson Cast: Musicians: |
