Pippin Reviews

MetroWeekly- Highly Recommended

"...The lighting, the costumes, cast and orchestra, makeup, wigs, choreography, and, of course, the staging by Signature artistic director Matthew Gardiner, all appear designed and executed to realize a singular, sensual vision for the 1972 musical, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Roger O. Hirson."

Talkin Broadway- Highly Recommended

"...The production of Pippin now at Signature Theatre's MAX Theatre in Arlington, Virginia, is yet another standout for a company renowned for its expansive take on musicals. The musical by Roger O. Hirson (book) and Stephen Schwartz (music and lyrics) unfolds in a succession of dazzling scenes anchored by Cedric Neal, who rules the proceedings as the Leading Player, and Brayden Bambino as the French prince just looking for his place in life."

Stage and Cinema- Highly Recommended

"...A sort of ninth-century, one-ring circus crammed with presentational glee, Pippin has always been an unusual musical. Premiering in 1972 with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Roger O. Hirson, it follows the restless son of Charlemagne as he searches for purpose in all the wrong places. War, politics, sex, power, revolution, domesticity—each promises fulfillment, and each leaves him wanting more. Guiding him through this journey is the mysterious Leading Player and a troupe of performers who alternately encourage, manipulate, and tempt him toward ever more extreme experiences."

MD Theatre Guide- Highly Recommended

"...First produced on Broadway in 1972, directed and choreographed by the legendary Bob Fosse (with book by Roger O. Hirson and music by Stephen Schwartz), “Pippin” retains every ounce of its original power, sensuality, joy, and cynicism in this production directed by Matthew Gardiner, Artistic Director of Signature Theatre. Conceived in the era of Richard Nixon, the Vietnam war, and the end of hippie counterculture, the political barbs ring just as true today. In our current political and cultural moment, it could be difficult to buy Pippin’s initial wide-eyed acceptance and rapturous embrace of an extra-ordinary future that lies ahead of him, but Brayden Bambino’s honest and thrilling performance compels belief in every single moment he is on stage. Bambino seems to have been born to play Pippin."

Morris Theatre DC- Highly Recommended

"...This production is so incredibly airtight in its vision. Diane Paulus' version, which was my introduction to the piece, leaned towards the players as more of a circus troupe. Gardiner, meanwhile, has turned it into a disco from hell. (Which, personally, is always how I personally interpreted the material.) The way that the ensemble of players -- all hauntingly clad in ghastly pale harlequin drapery from Signature favorite Erik Teague --dart around is staggering. Rachel Leigh Dolan's choreography is delectably breezy around Christopher and Justin Swader's dazzlingly minimal set, featuring more than a handful of joyous athleticism and classical Fosse numbers such as the Manson trio."

BroadwayWorld- Highly Recommended

"...Certain facets of the human condition are foundational to our very existence – change, connection, desire. One such particularly toxic universal truth is a constant need to be something more than we currently are. To search for happiness in external achievement rather than within ourselves, in our simple joys. Pippin at Signature Theatre breathes within that precise virulence, relatively orchestrated by a troupe of impeccably costumed and choreographed players. A feast for the eyes in all senses, Matthew Gardiner’s production surpasses even the highest of expectations."

DMV Theatre Review- Highly Recommended

"...I have no words (besides all the ones written prior to this sentence) for how enjoyable Pippin is as a show. It is heartfelt, hilarious, and enrapturing, like capturing lightning in a bottle. Signature has taken what was already a well-written show and given it the glimmer and gloss to be a masterpiece. I have already begun making plans to join this troupe doing what they do best: putting on one hell of a show. I hope you carve out time to do the same."

Hill Rag- Highly Recommended

"...The lore surrounding Stephen Schwartz, Roger O. Hirson, and Bob Fosse’s Tony Award-winning 1973 musical “Pippin” is almost as legendary as the musical itself. How much of the work is based on the life of medieval King Charlemagne’s firstborn son, Pepin the Hunchback, after whom the musical takes its name? Did Schwartz and Fosse really fall out over their competing visions during the early development of the show? Is the darkly seductive and enigmatic Leading Player the devil in disguise, manipulating the protagonist for his own dark purposes? Does any of it really matter?"

DC Theater Arts- Highly Recommended

"...Director Matthew Gardiner ably takes the best of what could have been a dated homage to ’70s-era rock musicals — Jesus Christ Superstar, Godspell, and the like — and molds it into a timely and timeless commentary that feels fresh and relevant."