Pippin!

Wow. Wow, wow, wow! I saw a production of the original Pippin put on by my university’s musical theatre group in 2007. Having been a little surprised and skeptical about Pippin’s Tony Award, I was nevertheless thrilled to see a broadway musical for free.
Such a commentary on the existential quest for the extraordinary!!! Pippin seeks to find fulfillment, and finds it in neither war, sex, revolution, nor ordinary existence. I love the ending to *this* version far better than the old one. I won’t give it away, but you might appreciate the change more if you are aware of the original ending.
Pippin is like cirque du soleil + a musical + a sing-​a-​long all in one. Fantastic! You may, like me, find yourself bouncing along. Or gaping at some feat or another that belongs on the stage of a circus act, not a mere musical.
What a great way to begin my Unilocal Elite career! :D

Magical, great settings and lighting, fabulous costumes and makeup. Great performances. The story was fun although a bit stranger but that did not bolther me. I really enjoyed the show,.
The drinks before the show at the new patio of Limelight was very nice. I had a wonderful evening and so did my guest.
Thank you Unilocal

In my mind this production has everything that it should including: opposition, confusion, humor, drama, singing, dancing, acrobatics, and eye candy. The mere fact that I am unsure about why it was set in a circus tells me that there is a deeper level of understanding and thought that is required to fully appreciate Pippin! I’m still thinking about it which means the show just keeps on giving!
As always, the talent on stage is incredible. I’m like so totally jealous of them all. This production has such a wide variety of performers — there is something for everyone. Not only is there comedy (the grandmother was my favorite) but there is danger and intrigue in addition to (spoiler alert) regicide/​patricide, and the always popular, love story. Add some music and you’ve got a solid good time!
The pre-​show was a lot of fun with music, contortionists, jugglers, and stilt walkers. That attention to detail is great for setting the stage, so to speak. The entertainment began before the curtain goes up. I like that a lot.
Production design and costuming was top notch, as is to be expected. I really felt like I was at an old time circus or traveling through the countryside or on a farm. When I think, «Why a circus as the main setting?» I think it’s clear that the heaviness of the play’s content needed to be offset by some fun times. Would this production have packed as great a punch if it were set somewhere else? I don’t think so. The juxtaposition of light-​hearted entertainment and regal succession is both fun and thought provoking.
The actors were all great. There’s not a one that I didn’t enjoy watching flip across the stage or swing form the air. Talent a-​plenty. I’m a huge fan!

I’ve been Unilocaling for years, yet this is the first event that I have come to just because of Unilocal.Thank you Unilocal for the free tickets and drink vouchers.
I took my dear olé daddy to the show, and we had a lot of fun. He’s a more cultured theatre goer than me, so it was nice to treat him to a play for once. Musicals aren’t typically our thing, but we enjoyed it nonetheless.
Going into the play, I had no idea what to expect. I didn’t know much about the story, just that it’s a highly acclaimed Broadway show.
There is a lot to watch and a lot of bang for your buck. The acrobatics, the quick costume changes, the singing… The Leading Player has some pipes on her (she got her start on The Voice). The first act was so much better than the second. It’s a feel good play with morals and a lesson and all that crap. But it kept me entertained.
And Lucie Arnaz (yes, THAT Lucie Arnaz) as the grandmother? HILARIOUS, and reminded me of my own grandma (although she’s not an acrobat).
Not my favorite play, but thanks again Unilocal for the night out!

I’m a little embarrassed to admit this, but for a split second I thought this was about Pippi Longstocking. I know, silly. Then I did what I should have done in the first place, and read up on the play. Even after reading the summary, I wasn’t quite sure what it was about other than acrobatics were involved.
The hubs and I were able to both go courtesy of Unilocal (many thanks Frances and Unilocal)! We once again had fantastic seats in the orchestra section.
I really enjoy when musicals have narrators and this musical had the perfect narrator. She was really funny, yet gave much needed explanations for the story. Without her, I think it would have been really hard to know what was going on.
The actor who played Pippin had a gorgeous voice; actually all the actors did. What was really impressive were the crazy good acrobatics. It was a bit of Cirque du Soleil meets Broadway. And we ate it up. The hubs and I laughed, we held our breaths during intense scenes and overall had a really enjoyable evening!

I had heard so many good things about the Broadway production of Pippin and so when we were offered tickets by Unilocal,I kind of can’t even say how excited I was! SO EXCITED! And this evening was even more special than I thought it would be. It was so fun to go and have appetizers and drinks at Limelight before the show — I loved the mini crab cakes! — and the outdoor circus/​acrobatic acts going on totally set the scene.
As for the production of Pippin, I completely loved it. The performances were outstanding — especially Charles, Pippin’s father, who was apparently the original Pippin? How cool is that — I thought he was incredible. As well as Pippin’s grandmother with her amazing acrobatic foray while singing. In general the acrobatics were just so well staged and executed and the singing was phenomenal. I loved the Bob Fosse dance moves — jazz hands! — and the choreography was just extremely well done. And the Leading Player… wow. She was out of this world.
The first half is so over the top that at first the second part, with Catherine, seems overwhelmingly boring, but that is the whole point. Pippin’s experience with Catherine is safe and everyday-​feeling, which can sometimes mean mundane and boring. The question in life: what do you want more? Excitement and possibly death by fire or a safe, somewhat ho-​hum life. Interesting to think about that’s for sure.
Thank you so much to Unilocal and DPAC for this experience. I loved every minute of this evening.

I took my 11 year old son.
«What was your favorite part,» I asked.
«Everything.»
“No, favorite part, «I asked again.
«EVERYTHING!»
He loved the show from start to finish.
At intermission, it was getting late. I asked if he wanted to go home.
«No way, this show is awesome.»
We stayed. He was sleepy in the morning, but it was worth it for him.
Oh, he did say the wild Grandma was the coolest part.
Now me?
I didn’t really like the show. The acrobatics were great, but it was way too long and way too slow moving for most of it. The story was old and kind of boring.
But, my son really enjoyed it and…
…any night at the theatre, especially with family and friends is a great night.

I brought my six year old daughter to the show and she was one of very few children. I read somewhere that the musical *could* be inappropriate for children under 8. There were vulgar sex scenes and awkward intimations, that frankly were inappropriate for children under 80. My daughter noted that they used some «bad words» which really weren’t all that necessary I must say.
But before you sic child services on me — SHE. LOVED. IT.
We both agreed the plot was a little hard to understand (glad I at least have the comprehension of a six year old). But there were some real breath-​taking scenes. The acrobatics were remarkable. The costumes were colorful and creative. It was easy to follow the play and the songs even though it was generally unfamiliar. There were some scenes that had classic magic elements. They had side-​show like entertainers both before and after the show, fire eaters, contortionists that sort of thing.
It was long, but I’m a cliff notes sort of girl so I find most things drag on.
Generally speaking, it was light-​hearted and whimsical. The humor was perhaps dated and at times they went too far. But I would absolutely go again. And if I had to do it again, I absolutely would have brought my daughter.
Should you bring your kid? If your child is mature I would say yes, but don’t say I didn’t give you a heads up.
And a big THANK YOU Unilocal and DCPA for the free tickets and fun event.

Thank you Unilocal for the fabulous seats and complimentary drinks — Unilocal’s events are always top notch and this was no exception. Very organized, and I was well taken care of — 5 stars for Frances and Unilocal!
I’ve been curious about Pippin since it won the 2013 Tony for best musical revival, and I was excited to see that it had a rating of ages 8+ and took my son along as a date.
When I read the description of it I was confused as to what the musical was going for — a Circus, a musical and quest for a prince to find himself all wrapped into one is what it ended up being. The dancing and music were so-​so, the acting was great. I felt like the storyline and larger than life acting and circus type sequences were geared towards kids, and my son loved them and literally dropped his jaw a few times. However there was a very inappropriate (if you are going to rate a show for ages 8+) bondage sex scene that lasted an entire song and was really uncomfortable and didn’t fit with the show at all. There were some other scantily clad pole dancing etc. scenes and some swearing peppered throughout — just so parents know.
Because of that I’m not sure who it’s for — half geared towards kids, half adults, but neither appealing toward the other.
I look forward to seeing more at DPAC in the future, but I did learn that having the words Broadway and Tony next to a play does not necessarily mean I’m going love it.

I’d no idea about what to expect walking into Pippin. I was anticipating a prince running away to join the circus. While the prince did continuously run away in search of his desired «extraordinary» life, he didn’t join the circus, sadly. However, the backdrop of the entire show is alight with Cirque du Soleil performers and high flying acrobatics! It’s a bit of a strange juxtaposition to a story set in the late 700s (Charlemagne years!) but it somehow works and I really enjoyed it. James F loved how the characters broke through the fourth wall throughout the show.
This revival is fun with a little darkness thrown in to boot. The moral of the story slaps you in the face throughout, so don’t be surprised with a slightly anticlimactic ending.
Many thanks to Unilocal for a wonderful night at the theatre! I do so love the opportunity to see musicals and mingle with fellow arts lovers.

What a fun musical! I knew there was a circus theme, but I had no idea going in it was like Cirque to Soleil meets Broadway. Hearing someone belt out a tune while upside down on a trapeze gives multi-​talented a whole new meaning. The plot was actually really quite beautiful and deep, something I also wasn’t expecting. In a nutshell, live in the moment and enjoy what you have — stop trying to find more. The music and costumes were very exciting and interesting and different. How cool that the king was the original Pippin on Broadway too, by the way?!
We had a wonderful time and really enjoyed the event. I did learn from the seats we got through Unilocal that the acoustics in center orchestra aren’t as wonderful as some other places in the theater like lower balcony and lower orchestra, and you’re really screwed if someone tall ends up in front of you. Also, the house wine in the theatre bar is really, really gross. In uncomfortable news, some kids were seated near us. This show is definitely not child appropriate. Made me super uncomfortable.
But, I loved the new ticket pick-​up arrangement and the show. Thanks so much Frances and Unilocal

It was a great evening and was lucky to have an Elite take this Elite to the show. LOL!
I loved the entertainers before and after the show… and there appeared to be an after party at the Bonfils Ballroom, don’t know if that was an open event.
The seats as usual were fabulous.
The stand out parts to the show was the MC/​Ring Leader, the Grandmother, the king, and the roosters… they were a riot.
This was not one of my most favorite plays, it was very odd (was the setting a castle for the royals, or a circus tent, and I did figure out the farm scene), with your standard show tunes, and performers and acrobatics. The sound sometimes was not clear. I did enjoy the dark comedy aspect, and there is definitely sex appeal to this show as well as some bad words you may not want the kiddos to hear. It did take me awhile to figure out what the purpose of everything was but Pippin was just trying to figure out what is purpose is which I think we all try to do… and I think you just have to give you what life has to offer and what makes you happy (I could be very off base here).
Overall a great evening and I always enjoy going to the DCPA/​Buell for a play.

I didn’t get it… I liked it. but I didn’t get it.
The performance was spectacular to say the least. There was plenty of things to keep you interested if you weren’t trying to figure out what the story was. The whole. Dad comes back to life because I want my knife back thing still has me baffled.
The dancing and acrobatics were truly amazing and the young lady who was the narrator had an incredible voice.
There was plenty to see and do before and after the show outside the theater with acrobats, a man on stilts, jugglers, fire dancers and balancing acts. Unfortunately, the late hour didn’t allow me to enjoy all the sites after the show.
Would I recommend it? Certainly

I have known about Pippin since elementary school. Why? Our elementary school music teacher exposed us to many musicals throughout 2^nd-​6^th grade and taught us about Pippin, Fosse and Ben Vereen. I sang «Magic to Do» for the 4^th spring concert opening, although the lyric was changed to «love presented pastorally». We sang «Corner of the Sky» during our 6^th grade graduation ceremony. I loved the music and those two songs have ran through my head some 28 years after 6^th grade graduation. So naturally when I head about the revival, I had hoped it would eventually come to Denver, and that I’d get to go-​Yelp tickets or out of pocket.
I really enjoyed it and «got it» although I can see how some may be confused. I also understand why Fosse had a darker vision for the original production as I found this «lighter version» still quite dark. And of course the acrobatics were amazing as was Sasha Allen as The Leading Player, and seeing Lucie Arnaz as Berthe, Pippin’s grandma, was a fun treat. I do agree, though, that in 2014 the music sounds a bit dated, like it was composed in the late 70s, but I still enjoyed it.
Thank you again Unilocal and DCPA for providing me with an entertaining evening of culture with a bit of nostalgia on the side!

I’m not one to talk about performing arts like they’re fine wines as some like to do. My rating is based on the level of entertainment I enjoyed from the show. I’ve been to one other play when I was about 8 (A Christmas Carol in Chicago), so I’m certainly no vet.
However, I had such a great time with the whimsical nature of the musical, the dark/​adult humor, and the occasional breaking down the fourth wall. I like the idea of how it was a story within a story, almost as if we really were in a big top tent being told the comically tragic story of Pippin. I laughed, I (nearly) cried, I ooohed, and aaahed. The acrobatics were great and the intentional oddness/​awkwardness added within the storytelling really made for a wholly entertaining night and I’d go back and see it again without hesitation!
Thanks Unilocal for the wonderful opportunity to go and see the show!

My first event as a new Elite and I got to see Pippin! Wow, the show was stellar from the dropping of the curtain to the standing ovation at the end. And the opening curtain literally did drop to reveal the interior of a circus tent with many acrobatic feats going on.
This show was a visual feast, with a tremendous cast and a good story line about a boy trying to find his purpose in life. Sasha Allen, the Player, was a delight to watch and man can she belt out a song. I’ve got to give props to the 63 yo Lucie Arnaz, Pippin’s grandmother, who was right up there on the trapeze too!
There were a couple of steamy parts that might not be so good for the younger kids but the little ones probably won’t connect the dots. The humor was funny, but not LOL funny, more of an insider or innuendo type of funny. I did crack up like crazy though when the super-​size guy tossed the girl up into the air and she came down encircled around him.
What a treat and Thank you for the terrific seats (who ever was in front of me didn’t show up so I had a fantastic view!) and the free drink.

First of all thank you Unilocal for the fabulous seats and complimentary drinks.
When i heard that Pippin won the 2013 tony for best musical revival, i was stoked to see it! And of course, Unilocal makes wishes come true.
Be warned: my favorite musical of all time is wicked… the music is heart tuggingly good. So if you do not agree with me, then dont read my review because we obviously have different tastes in musicals.
Pippin is about a boy trying to figure out his purpose in life. Trying to live a life thats out of the ordinary. Can he find happiness in the army? Being king? Being in love?
Youll have to wait and see.
The good: its a musical that has magic (disappearing objects!), fire, acrobatics. Your eyes are never bored… except…
The bad: the humor and music is obviously outdated. The songs did nothing for me and my cold heart barely cracked a smile.
There was an older generation of viewers there that cracked up and loved every minute of it!
Unfortunately for me, it just wasnt a rewarding experience for me. Alas, maybe next time. But thanks again Unilocal!!!

Everything has its season, Everything has its time
Pippin is a Tony Awarding-​winning musical about a young, unsettled prince who sets out on an odyssey of self-​discovery. The protagonist, Pippin, continually questions the very foundations of his life to find purpose and meaning. The Cirque du Soleil-​style dramatic, revived by director Diane Paulus, is brilliantly told by a talented acting and singing cast in true metatheatre fashion.
This brilliant three hour dramedy is played out in the Temple Hoyne Buell Theatre, a nationally ranked site with an intimate 2,884 seating capacity.
English playwright Edward Bond once said that, «there is no world without theatre.» I would have to agree with him.
Enjoy the show!

Wow what a show! I am so grateful I got to see Pippin. The overall has to be a 5 and here is why:
The customer service before the show was amazing. I truly felt valued and respected as a customer. The level of service makes you feel like you’re actually going to a show! The seats are comfortable And I was definitely able to enjoy the entire show without getting sore. However I did feel incredibly warm in the back. I’ve always felt a little chilled not a little warm so that was new and the Buell theater this time.
The cast during the show was absolutely incredible! More of my favorite parts of the show. Seeing legends like we did tonight truly make this traveling show unique experience.
While I did feel it was slow at times, I feel like the story came together in the end. The way that the entire show was handled was so unique.
I have been left my credit card at the bar and was allowed to come back in afterwards and go to lost and found and collect it. The customer service at that point was still is impeccable as it was before.

The Good: Fabulous production values. Great acting. Acrobatics and magic that were circus-​worthy permeated the show. Nice costuming. I appreciated the opportunity to attend.
The Bad: Me? I just didn’t really get into the story. It was silly, and light, and farcical, but I was hoping for more «laugh out loud» moments. Not since Evita have I felt so out of sync with what I was watching.
The Ugly: The older gentleman in front of me was wearing one of the hearing assistive devices. I think it is great that they offer these to help people enjoy the performances. However, after using the device for 15 minutes, he then hung the headphones around his neck without turning them off. I was then forced to listen to a tinny echo that was slightly out of sync with the actual dialogue for the rest of the show.