"History, comedy, farce and catchy rock tunes await audiences who venture to El Cerrito for Contra Costa Civic Theatre's production of Pippin. Running through Sunday, the Stephen Schwartz musical doesn't pretend to be historically accurate as Prince Pippin's coming-of-age story unfolds. It does, however, deliver lots of laughs and circus-inspired characters clad in Denise Altaffer's colorfully outrageous costumes. Props designer Devon LaBelle found his inner craziness designing a plethora of props,"
"As Pippin seeks his place in life, a violent confrontation with his father King Charlemagne (Bruce Bierman) ensues. But have no fear, this is a farce, and Pippin brings his father back to life when he discovers how difficult being king can be. The musical ends with Pippin going off with his lady love Catherine (Amber McCann) as her son Theo (a wonderful Luca Varela) stays behind and begins the cycle all over again."
"Director/choreographer Nicole Helfer and music director Kenji Harada draw upon their impressive skills as they juggle all the demands of this complicated production. While some in the large cast have limited dancing experience, it isn't evident given Helfer's clever choreography. Except for a few off-key vocals, most of the songs, nicely accompanied by Harada's six-person orchestra, are also well done with many lovely harmonies. Kanaski's acting ability and lovely voice easily capture the role of Pippin with McCann and Bierman"
The production blends history, comedy, farce and catchy rock tunes in a colorful staging set in El Cerrito. Prince Pippin's coming-of-age plot plays out as a play within a play led by the Leading Player, who guides and critiques the performers. Denise Altaffer's costumes are bright and outrageous, while Devon LaBelle's props include numerous fake limbs for an absurd battle sequence. Shobie's masks contribute intricate, larger-than-life visuals. Nicole Helfer's choreography and Kenji Harada's musical direction manage the show's complicated demands, masking limited dance experience in parts of the cast. Most songs feature strong harmonies from a six-person orchestra, though some vocals are off-key and occasional lines were hard to hear.
Read at www.eastbaytimes.com
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