Before the megahit musical WICKED, back in the day of flower children and tie-dyed clothing, composer and lyricist Stephan Schwartz collaborated with legendary choreographer/director Bob Fosse on an offbeat story about the medieval legend of Charlemagne's son, PIPPIN. It's "young man in search of self" theme resonated with the audiences of the late 70's, managing to click with the aging hippies and the me-generation on the cusp of prosperity, and its edgy Fosse staging and suggestive dance numbers were the height of wit and cynical sophistication. Over the years, PIPPIN has shown some of its age, and it garnered less interest in revival as time passed.
Now, however, there is a new production by the EAST WEST PLAYERS, done with Schwartz's blessing and cooperation, rising like a splendid phoenix at the David Henry Hwang Theater in Little Tokyo. EWP has updated the choreography to integrate spectacular HipHop popping moves with the Fosse standards, making it flash and sparkle with the force of a rocket. The all-AsianAmerican cast has a depth of talent and charisma rarely seen outside of the New York stage, and the Samurai overtones laid on Charlemagne and his Roman Empire are surprisingly successful. The usual backdrops, rolling down like a miracle play, have been replaced with manga animated screens, giving a wonderful feel of the magical comicbook world that perfectly accents the mystical fairy tale of PIPPIN. This feeling is ratcheted up another notch with costumes closely related to the sci-fi world of anime and The Matrix, colorful, bizarre, and totally engaging.
If you love theater, and will be in Los Angeles between now and June 22, RUN to the Hwang Theater and see this electrifying production of PIPPIN. It surpasses anything you will see at the movies this summer...it leaves television dead in the dust. Go, go , go... and rediscover the contagious joy of PIPPIN!
Basic information: http://www.eastwestplayers.org/pippin.htm
"EXTENDED TO JUNE 22!!
Book by Roger O. Hirson
Music & Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Directed by Tim Dang
Musical Direction by Marc Macalintal
Choreography by Blythe Matsui & Jason Tyler Chong
Set Designer Alan Muraoka
Costume Designer Naomi Yoshida
Lighting Designer Dan Weingarten
Property Master Ken Takemoto
Hair & Make Up Designer Jackie Phillips
The Tony Award winning musical PIPPIN receives a revitalizing twist with theatre anime visuals, hip-hop dance influence and contemporary music arrangements live on stage. Journey with Pippin as he braves the challenges found in the worlds of war, pleasure, politics, art, religion and love as he searches for his true calling. A stunning example of Magic and Merriment! You will witness acts of Lust, Murder and Holy War! From the composer who brought you WICKED and GODSPELL!" (EWP Website)
A BROADWAY MUSICAL
Opening Night - Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Performance Run - May 15 - June 22, 2008
Wednesday - Saturday @ 8 pm, Sunday @ 2:00pm
Regular Tickets $50 - Orchestra, $45 - Balcony
$5 off Students & Seniors Tickets
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