Monumental Theatre offers a thoroughly enjoyable staging of ‘Pippin’

Tiziano D’Affuso and Kaitlin Kemp in Pippin. [R.J. Pavel].

By David Siegel

Yes, there is magic done at Monumental Theatre’s nifty production of “Pippin,” appearing through the end of the month in Alexandria. It is spunky, buoyant, and engaging from the moment the first notes of “Magic to Do” are played.

Pippin is a multi-Tony Award-winning musical with a fine pop score with nearly 20 musical numbers. First staged in 1972, it has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (“Godspell” and “Wicked”) with a book by Roger O. Hirson.

Pippin is the story of a young prince on his search for meaning and significance. What does Pippin want? Well, only the secret to true happiness and real fulfillment. After all, he has been reared to believe he is extraordinary. So, off the dear prince goes to seek meaning in the glories of the battlefield, the temptations of the flesh, and finally, the maneuverings and plotting of a high political life.

While the original “Pippin” was staged against the backdrop of the youthful energy and protests of  the 70s, this production reflects current times.

Monumental offers an extraordinary, intimate black-box staging by a very talented, hustling gaggle of millennial performers who likely will become names themselves on area stages in the not too distant future. It is clear from this production why Monumental received this year’s 2018 Helen Hayes Award for an Emerging Theater.

Director Rebecca Wahls has done some fine casting. The 12 performers, all under 30, are diverse, high-spirited, animated, and talented. As the production progresses through its run, I imagine that some of the opening night jitters or occasional notes missed by the orchestra will be smoothed away.

Tiziano D’Affuso, in the role of Pippin, moves fluidly as a dancer, but it is his voice and acting that brings an almost hippy-like innocent to learn that growing up is hard to do. In the role of the Leading Player of an itinerant theater troupe, Solomon Parker is one solid, charming, self-assured presence throughout the show.

Chani Wereley brings a quiet demeanor to the role of Catherine, a widow seeking a better life who falls for Pippin then puts up with his quirky nature. Her sweet soprano voice brought a hush to the audience with “I Guess I’ll Miss the Man.”

DeCarlo Raspberry appears as King Charles, Pippin’s father. Raspberry is a strong presence with a resonant baritone. He sings “War Is a Science” with gusto. His wife, Fastrada, is played as a shameless, conniving hussy by Rachel Barlaam who clearly enjoys the role as she taunts and teases the audience.

Then there is Grandmother Berthe portrayed by Kaitlin Kemp. Kemp is a delight with her insouciant, saucy attitude encouraging Pippin to find himself and live before it is too late.

As for this production’s regular use of technology, such as cell phones, it is neither gimmick nor outlandish. A tip of the hat to Monumental for that out-of-the-box idea, even if sometimes, just as in real life, cell phones can become annoying.

Coming-of-age musicals can be easily dismissed or drop from sight on professional stages as their underpinnings become dated. The Monumental Theatre production uses the 2013 revival as its starting point. The ending suggests that when older generations fade, new generations will pop up to carry a message of hope.

In the program, the theater company states, “we are dedicated to producing theater that is relevant, socially significant, and appealing across generations.” Yup, I applaud that sentiment and saw it produced on stage. Your turn. Go. Let Pippin “Spread a Little Sunshine” with its “Simple Joys” over you.

Where and when: “Pippin” plays through July 30 at the Ainslie Arts Center on the campus of Episcopal High School, 3900 West Braddock Road, in Alexandria. Tickets can be purchased online.

This article is based on a review that originally appeared in DC Metro Theater Arts.