Pippin's Pleasures!

The sign says it all: "Join us".... when you see Pippin, you'll join this quirky, silly, charming, talented cast of performers on the journey to their corner of the sky known as Broadway.  They'll make you gasp with delight, both on and off stage.  

I loved meeting this cast.  When I saw the show initially in Cambridge at A.R.T., my schedule didn't allow me to wait after to say thanks; so for many reasons, I'm happy that the entire cast transferred with the show to NYC...it was like seeing old friends, and I had the chance to let them know how much pleasure their performances brought me!

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Diane Paulus, the visionary director of this revival.  Although she didn't come down the line to sign, I was thrilled to see her.  This is the fourth production of hers that I've seen, and I've been blown away each time by her creative, mind-bending approach to theater!

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Patina Miller (Leading Player) was fun to interact with as she was signing.  She was patient and personal with as many as possible, taking photos, signing and chatting.  I had seen Patina at the Kennedy Center in "First You Dream," a Kander & Ebb revue and mentioned to her how much I enjoyed her performance then, and now.  My experience is that it's satisfying for the actors when they hear that folks have seen other, more off-the-beaten track stage performances they've done.

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Matthew James Thomas (Pippin) received a rousing cheer of welcome when he emerged from the stage door, and was especially kind and playful with the children waiting.  All of the Pippin actors, including Matthew, were willing to take photos with fans, and as you can imagine, he was in high demand :).

Matthew was followed out by Terrence Mann (Pippin's father, the king), who was equally popular with those waiting.  He was such fun; talking and joking with everyone.  (Look below for photos of his real-life wife and costar, Charlotte d'Amboise.)

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Matthew and Terrence signing and having fun with the fans.  It is evident how much this cast is enjoying the enthusiastic response the show is receiving!

The unbelievably, fabulously fun Andrea Martin was just as fabulous off stage as on!   

I was particularly thrilled to meet Charlotte d'Amboise (Pippin's stepmother).  Her father, Jacques d'Amboise was a world famous ballet dancer with the New York City Ballet, working with George Balanchine, and went on to teach and choreograph.  Charlotte was very sweet and has such charisma on stage, and definitely does the Bob Fosse style of dance proud.

The luminous Rachel Bay Jones (Catherine), who gives such a delightful, layered performance, was just as delightful in person :).  She had her daughter with her as well, who you can glimpse just behind her.

Andrew Cekala (Theo, Catherine's son) was darling.  He was so poised with the fans, and seemed to really enjoy talking with everyone.

Erik Altemus (Lewis; understudy for Pippin) plays the part of Pippin's half-brother with just the right amount of goofy arrogance.  I loved his chemistry with everyone on stage, and he was equally charming off stage!

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Just a few of the amazing "Players," who do the tricks and stunts as part of the ensemble.  Pippin's magic is due in very large part to the talent and charisma of every member of this ensemble.

Anthony Wayne

Andrew Fitch

Philip Rosenberg

Bethany Moore

Extra:  Some photos of the Opening Night arrivals on April 25, 2013:

What an exciting evening to see the show!!  The thrill of the entire audience was palpable, and that transferred to the actors and back again.  It was a bonus to watch some of the opening night arrivals (although not always easy to see over the paparazzi and handlers :)), and see some legends.  But the real star of the night was the show! :)

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The original "Leading Player," Ben Vereen.

The trio above is Gypsy Snider, responsible for the circus elements; Chet Walker, the choreographer and original collaborator with Bob Fosse; and Diane Paulus, the director (Chet & Diane also pictured above and left)

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Producer Fran Heissler (with a very elaborate necklace :)).  I saw her several times outside and inside the theater and she was clearly having a wonderful night!!

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Martin Short (with son Henry to his left), and Victor Garber.  This was the second Opening Night I'd seen Victor attend that week (He was at Bette Midler's "I'll Eat You Last" the night before).

Dancer/choreographer/actor Tommy Tune, one of my long-time idols (above) &  the celebrated team of director/lyricist/writer Scott Whitman and composer Marc Shaiman (right)

Jane Krakowski

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