Review of Pippin (1981) by Mallory B — 23 Jun 2007

Oh, Pippin, how awkward a show you are. This happens to be the very first show (on Broadway) that my Dad walked out of at intermission. "Pippin" has so much potential...but it just never gets realized. Part of the problem is the incredibly flawed script that is never quite clear and doesn't seem go anywhere. The score (by the regularly lackluster Stephen Schwartz) starts out with great triumph as "Magic to Do" and "Corner of the Sky" are excellent numbers, but after that everything seems to falter. I lost total interest after Bertha's song, "No Time At All".

However, there are a few interesting production points. Chita Rivera for one, she is fabuous, but so underused. And Martha Raye is freaking hilarious and has some of the best dialogue in the show. Again, she is also incredibly wasted. I rather enjoy William Katt's interpretation of the character (although I lost faith in his singing ability after he cracked so terribly in his big opening song). And of course, the savior of the entire piece of crap - Ben Vereen. He is a dancing god.

In short, I give the show points for the cast and a few groovy songs. Suckage includes: The plot, script, most of the score, and that god awful "inspriational" ending.