By Marilyn Jozwik
Following a marvelous “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” this summer, Sunset again hits the mark with its current show “Pippin.”
A raucous Friday night crowd was in the palm of this cast’s collective hand as they reeled off one fabulous number after another. Even Bob Fosse’s iconic choreography with its striking tableaus, interesting angles and hands – lots of hands – didn’t faze this troupe.
Like “Joseph,” this show is fun and quirky. Its Middle Ages fictional characters – loosely based on Charlemagne and his son – may spout an expletive, or a 10-year-old character might tell an adult performer, “bite me.” This is sharp, clever material of creators Roger O. Hirson and Stephen Schwartz (music and lyrics) that keeps a clear focus and a lively, entertaining pace, all brilliantly executed by this cast and crew. Claire Margaret Vock directs.
“Pippin” is a play within a play. It begins with the Leading Player (Sarah Cunningham) introducing the show about Pippin (Sean P. Lambie) the cast is about to present as they sing “Magic to Do” with its “kings and things to take by storm.”
Pippin (Sean P. Lambie) and Catherine (Katie Renee Schafer) celebrate the simple life in a scene from Sunset Playhouse’s “Pippin.”
In their presentation Pippin is restless. “I wanted to be dedicated to something,” he says, mulling the extraordinary life that is expected of him. He goes off to war, dabbles in the arts, samples a hedonistic lifestyle. He even tries to lead a revolution against his tyrannical father – and succeeds, but finds he cannot be the kind of leader he hoped he could be. So, he continues his search, wondering: “Why can’t I find something completely fulfilling?”
The players – especially the Leading Player – are more than happy to lead Pippin romping through his meaningless life. Until he finds meaning in a simple, pastoral life with a simple, hard-working, kind and dutiful mother, the widowed Catherine (Katie Renee Schafer) and her son Theo (Logan Jocham). And the show being presented by the Leading Lady and her troupe goes completely off the rails.
The cast of Sunset Playhouse’s “Pippin.”
I can’t imagine a better Pippin than the one Lambie portrays. He seems so lost and sincere, yearning for that which is always just beyond his grasp. His mop of hair and lean, lanky stature give his youthful character the right look while his understated delivery is just what is needed. When he collapses in despair, the audience chuckles at his wet noodle prat fall. He lends a soft, tenor voice, perfect for tunes like “Corner of the Sky,” which he delivers with longing and conviction.
Every character is so spot-on here that it’s hard to know where to look. So many stand-out performances, so much fun and energy and visually stunning scenes one wished the show would go on.
Of particular note is Cunningham, who takes complete charge of her Leading Lady character, filling the stage with her engaging song and dance from the very beginning.
As King Charles, Clinton Dodds also has a commanding presence, his character summarily dismissing any peasant request and justifying any bloody conflict, at one point saying, “The Pope and I have dedicated ourselves to spreading Christianity throughout the entire world… even if we have to kill every non-Christian to do it.” His “War is a Science,” with its primitive map and tricky lyrics, is wonderfully done.
There were really nice performances from Leah Lewandowski as Fastrada, King Charles’ conniving wife, and Schafer’s sweet Catherine, who pairs with Lambie in some lovely duets.
Surrounded by lots of youthful talent, former Milwaukee newscaster Joyce Garbaciak still manages to steal the show with her delightfully hammy portrayal of Pippin’s grandmother Berthe. Looking spectacular in a sparkly Vegas-style outfit and heals, Garbaciak shows she is just as comfortable on a stage as she is before a newsroom camera, engaging nicely with Lambie’s Pippin and delivering a sparkling “Spread a Little Sunshine,” getting the audience happily singing along with her encouragement. This is just one of many instances performers break the fourth wall, much to the audience’s delight.
But oh, the dancing! Choreographer Vivian Romano once again fields an amazing array of dancers who don’t miss a step of Bob Fosse’s creative movements, with all sorts of interesting body angles and poses. Headed by dance captain and featured dancer Brycen Witt, who adds beautiful balletic shapes to the scenes, the cast members keep the story at a hasty clip through dance. With flips and other gymnastics, lighted “swords” and other props, every number is full of fun and surprises.
Music director Mark Mrozek leads the eight-piece orchestra, creating all the wonderful moods in “Pippin.”
This is a challenging production for sets, lighting, costumes and sound, with all aspects of the entire show running on all cylinders. Sunset has magic to do – and indeed they do it!
If you go
Who: Sunset Playhouse
What: “Pippin”
When: Through Nov. 2
Where: 700 Wall St., Elm Grove
Info/Tickets: SunsetPlayhouse.com/262-782-4430