We take a look at what has been said about Amanda Noar’s production of Stephen Schwartz’s musical, playing in London until the 11th January.
The Guardian: *** “If Pippin is the tale of a boy becoming a man, one of its highlights is grandmother Berthe (Clare Brice) in her rousing solo No Time at All, seemingly growing younger with each line. Elsewhere, Helena Caldas gives us a simpering but sly Fastrada (Pippin’s stepmother) and Mia Quimpo makes a strong professional debut as the antithetically pure Catherine, offering a life stripped of pageantry. There is plenty of weird magic and simple wonder, even if you miss the wickedness.”
Theatre & Tonic: **** “Overall, this Pippin boasts a strong collective, thoughtful direction and performances that genuinely connect. It’s playful without being hollow, heartfelt without being heavy, and a thoroughly enjoyable reminder of Stephen Schwartz’s magic.”
Musical Theatre Review: **** “Beyond the stunning cast, it is in the songs where this production shines. Musical director Harry Style’s five-piece band are on top form and director/choreographer Amanda Noar makes some effective choices in staging. Thankfully, she ensures the distinctive fingerprints of legendary original Broadway director/choreographer Bob Fosse remain intact while injecting her own vision.”
London Pub Theatres Magazine: **** 1/2 “But the real strength here is the collective – and it is to the credit of the producers Chromolume at Upstairs at the Gatehouse (they have had a very strong year). A hard working set inspired by tarot and the circus (with a sprinkling of properly good magic from consultant Martin T Hart) could be easily transposed to, say, Regents Park Open Air Theatre. Under musical director Harry Style, Schwartz’s tunes are given depth and identity. The best moments are when the Players come together and sing as one.”
All That Dazzles: *** “Though Pippin falls short of their usual high quality, it is not without its merits, and still manages to be enjoyable and impressive at times. Though this Pippin may not be perfect by a long shot, its imperfections feel oddly appropriate to the story – as Pippin searches to find out who he is and how to be extraordinary, so too is this production. Should this version continue to be developed in the future, I have no doubt it will find a way to lift it. In the meantime, however, they still have some magic to do.”
London Theatre Reviews.co.uk: *** “This is a solid take on Schwartz’s 1972 musical. You know this company and creative team would be able to do something truly special in a less confined space and with a bigger budget to boot – but it still remains a faithful retelling of the original show and is absolutely worth seeing for musical theatre fans and Schwartz completionists alike.”
West End Best Friend: **** “Bob Fosse directed the original production, while Diana Paulus’ 2013 revival framed the show within a circus. Amanda Noar’s choreography (she also directs) nods towards both of these prior productions with sharp and acrobatic dance moves, without ever slipping into pastiche.”
To book tickets visit: https://upstairsatthegatehouse.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173668094/events/428739368