Aug 15, 2017 Spotlight News Entertainment, Schenectady County, The Spot, Theatre
Photo via Proctor's webpage
By DIEGO CAGARA
intern@spotlightnews.com
SCHENECTADY — The students of The School of the Performing Arts Broadway Camp delivered a memorable and explosive opening night as they performed “Pippin” at the nearly-packed Proctors in downtown Schenectady on Friday, August 4 at 7 p.m.
Having started working on the musical since around the 4th of July, students populated both the performance and production aspects of the show, giving it a very youthful tone which was warmly appreciated while proving that it all was placed in capable hands.
“Pippin” is a Tony-Award winning musical that first opened on Broadway back in 1972, with the legendary Stephen Schwartz helming the music and lyrics. Its titular character struggles to find meaning in his life even though he is a potential heir to a kingdom’s throne, which is currently occupied by his father, King Charles (or Charlemagne). The musical flings historical accuracy out the window so that it does not get bogged down by actual politics and history.
The musical’s storyline feels familiar as there have been many main characters in popular media who seek a purpose in life or searches for something greater beyond their reality.
Actor Justin Jasiewicz mostly did an impeccable job in capturing Pippin’s innocence and naïveté, further projected by his enthusiastic disposition. For a few brief moments throughout, his voice was not strong enough to deliver the lyrics or he accidentally flubbed his lines; perhaps the scenes felt rushed or he was actively moving across the stage which affected his speech. But ironically, it added to his character’s unassuming and petite nature, possibly earning even more empathy from the audience as the character struggled to find self-fulfillment.
His journey, however, seemed never-ending as he encountered wealth, women, romance and the potential to be in a family of his own—all of which he turned down eventually as he perpetually acted like nothing was enough. This led to the overarching joke that he can’t find a “happy ending,” causing most of the other characters to abandon him onstage in the end, stripping him of his wardrobe, music and overall production. This breaking-the-fourth-wall phenomenon made for great laughs.
The supporting cast mostly was successful and some shout-outs include Connor Eastman as Pippin’s father, Charlemagne; Hannah Destefano as Pippin’s lover, Catherine; Caitlyn Efner as her daughter, Thea; Tyler Barhydt as Pippin’s brother; and Monica Rathbone played Pippin’s exiled grandmother, Berthe.
Perhaps the most illuminating of the cast were the unnamed ones—the three Leading Players, played by Trinity-Robin Santos, Maria Andreoli and Louis Blair. This was a clear departure from the original departure which only had one Leading Player but this risk paid off as the three young actors animatedly brought the characters to life.
They each poured in a genius level of theatrics, over-the-top drama and sass, often dropping one-liners and entertaining the crowd with their swagger. They came across like a Greek chorus who were present onstage in many scenes and offered apt commentary. They also reminded some of Chiffon, Crystal and Ronette (another Greek chorus-like group) in the “Little Shop of Horrors” musical, the Dynamites from “Hairspray” and the Muses in Disney’s “Hercules” (1997). The Leading Players’ actors’ chemistry was clearly embraced by the audience as they received a vividly uproarious applause at the musical’s end.
For the uninitiated, the musical was surprisingly easy to follow with its simply overarching theme of finding purpose and its incredibly catchy show tunes. The musical succeeded in flexing its dark humor muscles by desensitizing viewers to the violence and sexual content onstage. Depictions of stabbings, decapitating of people’s heads, throats being slit as well as flying bloody limbs during a battle scene were watered down into joking matter. A memorable moment was when the villagers were casually collecting the corpses and loose limbs off the stage with a wagon in the background while the core characters were interacting in the foreground.
Besides the Leading Players, the musical’s juvenile and sassy nature was wholly emphasized when an actual board containing some lyrics descended over the stage and the audience was encouraged to sing along. A literal spotlight bounced off each lyric, like a makeshift karaoke session, and it further lightened the overall musical’s feel.
The production was commendable as well as the choreography. An example was when a lone spotlight shone down on Pippin, who innocently thought that having sexual relationships with women was the way to make him happy. He became surrounded by several females who each enticed, danced around and seduced him, almost hinting at an orgy, but the dark setting served a sense of sin which made both the viewer and Pippin realize that this was all wrong.
The opening night of “Pippin” at Proctors was certainly compelling.
Unlike its main character, the musical and the students who put it together did find a purpose—to entertain its audience with a palate of adult jokes and a cheesy-yet-excusable life lesson. It cautiously treads between being a family-friendly affair and a slight-too-adult plot but it nonetheless delivered. It would only have two more performances, the next day on Saturday, August 5 at 2 and 7 p.m.
Dec 12, 2018 0
Nov 07, 2018 0
Nov 03, 2018 0
Oct 31, 2018 0
Feb 22, 2019 0
Feb 22, 2019 0
Feb 21, 2019 0
Feb 21, 2019 0
13 hours ago
A beautiful view of the Albany sunrise from the Corning Tower Observation Deck 🌅 ... See MoreSee Less
Fact Friday from CDTA!
#transit #bus ... See MoreSee Less
1 day ago
The #HannafordKidzExpo Vendor Registration deadline is fast approaching! There are only a few booths left and registration closes on Monday, February 25 at 5pm. Don't miss out! Register now ⬇️
online.ogs.ny.gov/KidzExpo/default.aspx ... See MoreSee Less
Magic and Balloons by Bowey and face painting by Magic Brushes will be there!
Capital District Transportation Authority - CDTA posted 2 photos.
2 days ago
We’re so excited to be a sponsor of the Capital Craft Beverage Trail 2019 passports! Visit a ton of local spots in the Capital Region and get there with ease on our CDTA services! ... See MoreSee Less
Uber & Lyft costs can add up quickly! 💸 Use your college ID and get anywhere you need to go in the Capital Region for FREE with CDTA! ... See MoreSee Less
Empire State Plaza Events added 2 new photos.
4 days ago
With a Father who emigrated from Spain and a Grandfather who emigrated from India, founder of Nine Pin Cider Alejandro del Peral’s story is one that millions of NY'ers share. See the #PeopleofNewYork, a NEW exhibit at the #NYSCapitol. 🗽🍎
Plan Your Visit: empirestateplaza.ny.gov/people-new-york
.
.
.
#DYK Nine Pin Cider is one of many locals offering produce, baked goods, honey, and other yummy things every Wednesday at our Empire State Plaza #FarmersMarket? Stop by 10 - 2 ... See MoreSee Less
Did you know we have a total of three different trolleys that run at different times throughout the year in @downtownsaratoga, @downtown_schenectady and @downtownalbany & @larkstreetbid?! Plus, our Capital City Trolley runs all year long! ... See MoreSee Less
Capital District Transportation Authority - CDTA shared Two Buttons Deep's post.
4 days ago
We love the Albany Patroons and are proud to give away seats for some of our local veterans to enjoy the game! ... See MoreSee Less
5 days ago
Even though we do not have any cottages to show at this time, take a virtual tour from the comfort of your own home of a past Model Cottage here: www.google.com/maps/@42.5830476,-73.6709163,3a,73.7y,279.45h,90t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sAF1QipMLNqOI.... ... See MoreSee Less
google.com
Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.The Spinney at Van Dyke added 3 new photos — watching snow fall.
5 days ago
Already sick of snow this winter?
Why not take a break from shoveling this afternoon and come take a tour of The Spinney! Our staff takes care of all snow removal so you could be enjoying a warm cup of hot chocolate instead of snow blowing or shoveling around your home today!
Want to move before the next (inevitable) storm? We have units ready for move-in right now! Call (518) 689-0162 or visit www.thespinneyatvandyke.com for more information about our available cottages. ... See MoreSee Less