His story is narrated by the “Leading Player” – who, along with the production’s handful of minstrels, prods, teases and attempts to sway Pippin towards a catastrophic end.Īrtistic Director Eric Davis’ dynamic, in-your-face direction and choreography heightens Stephen Schwartz’s brilliant lyrics and score. When that fails, we follow him as he looks for meaning through stylized sexual escapades, stints as an artist and finally working on the estate of a widow with a young son.Īs Pippin is looking to find his “purpose” he exemplifies every human’s quest to find their place in the world – while trying to outrun daily living’s most mundane aspects. With snarky humor and ingenious direction that tunes this classic to our present times, this production reminds us why “Pippin” remains a classic example of American theatre.Ī fictional tale with some historical references, the musical follows “everyman” Pippin as he journeys from an impetuous, naive student to serving in the army of his father, King Charlemagne. “Pippin” brings powerhouse talent, high-octane performances and equally impressive musical direction and choreography to the theatre’s intimate space. ![]() PETERSBURG – Looking for a night of vibrant vocals, spunky choreography and gorgeous music? freeFall Theatre’s production of “Pippin,” playing now at 6099 Central Ave., will feed your need with a show that dazzles your senses. As too, is my hope for the future of theater.Ī Skeptic and a Bruja freeFall Theatre, 6099 Central Ave., St. Jess replies, “No, I think it’s just beginning.” You just might want more.Īs the character Remy asks, “Is it over?” I encourage you to take a chance on theater. No matter what my thoughts may be on this production or another. I am grateful to have a platform to share them with you. I’m just one fellow and these are my thoughts. This collaboration is an encouraging way forward. What I also find exciting about this production is how two excellent theater companies have collaborated to bring this world-premiere production to both St Petersburg and Sarasota. These effects could not have been executed so well without the highly skilled stage management team of Sara Delbeato and Danielle McKay. The paranormal special effects by Eugene Alcorn are jump-out-of-your seats delightful. Oshry’s masterful lighting effects enhance the emotional currents of the scenes, both of this world and the other. Diaz, Espinosa, Reaves, and Smith share with us four fully realized characters, four strong and unique women who work together exceptionally to carry us through a story of love, loss, and reconnection.Īdded to this fresh storytelling experience is the lighting design of Joseph P. The story reveals truths that audiences can recognize in themselves. Rosa Fernandez has devised a touching story filled with suspense, heart, and humor: A story of four distinct women of color with which audiences of all ages, gender, and race can connect. What intriguingly begins to haunt them are their own “ghosts,” both paranormal and emotional. As the characters take a deep dive into exploring what they believe are the ghosts of the family of the previous occupants. She enlists the aid of a paranormal research podcasting team, “A Skeptic and a Bruja” (played by Maiya Reaves, Alisha Espinosa, and Jen Diaz, respectfully) to help investigate uncanny activities throughout the house. The story centers around Priscilla (played by Lorinda Hawkins Smith), who has purchased and moved into an old home to convert it to a B&B. ![]() “A Skeptic and a Bruja”, written by Rosa Fernandez, is a world premiere. Petersburg’s freeFall Theater has produced in cooperation with Sarasota’s Urbanite Theatre. This all happens before the play even starts, foretelling the excellent theater experience that West St. ![]() that brings us deeper into the world of the play. ![]() Or, as the younger character Remy says upon entering, “It looks like a grandma bomb went off in here.”Īs I reach the steps to my seat, I have to maneuver around a more senior audience member standing in front of their seat dancing to the pre-show music: a ghostly cover of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” a sound design element from The Ragan Bros. Jeff Weber’s scenic design puts the audience vividly in the atmosphere of the play. There’s a Tiffany-glassed window in the hallway, a faded blue wallpaper with a white laced design and old wooden inlays, and black-and-white photos on the walls of family members long passed. A wooded banister staircase leads to the second floor of the home. I walk, skirting the edge of an old Edwardian house designed and crafted with great details. FreeFall Theatre’s latest results from a partnership with Sarasota-based Urbanite Theatre.Īn usher guides me through the front porch and door of the set as to invite me in the world of the play.
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