By Christopher Blank

Monday, February 1, 2010

On Friday, the night every other theater in town went dark because of the freezing rain, Playhouse on the Square premiered the first musical in its new arts center at 66 South Cooper.

Given both the moxie it took the company to raise $12.5 million in funding during a recession, and the feverish support of local theatergoers, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the house was sold-out when the cast of “Pippin” took the stage.

No less excited was Thursday’s first preview audience, who delivered the first standing ovation.

It’s not exaggerating to say that the new facility ushers in a new era of theatergoing in Memphis, and “Pippin” offers an amazing sampling of what is to come.

The 1972 Stephen Schwartz musical is, fittingly, about a young prince who isn’t sure what he wants to do with his life. He tries war, politics, multiple lovers, but the meaning of life eludes him. Finally, he finds what he’s looking for.

And the answer is not in New York, Chicago or Los Angeles. It’s right here, in Memphis!

Oops, sorry. I was just thinking about how startling it is to hear a Playhouse musical in which every utterance is crystal clear, and every instrumental note sparkles from the orchestra pit. Or how even the back row of the 348-seat house seems to lift you right into the action.

A production anywhere is only as good as its cast and crew, however, and “Pippin” shows how the professional company effectively combines local talent and guest artists to get a top-quality performance.

Chicago actor Sean Blake is the Leading Player, a sinister character who urges Pippin forward, but never quite helps him with his goal. Blake is a strong singer, and great mover, channeling Bob Fosse’s style in his angular physicality.

Memphis native Alvaro Francisco, recently returned from New York, performs the likable title role. With a voice full of sweetness and eyes exuding innocence, he makes Pippin’s existential crisis cute enough for even the jades to handle.

Locals Kent Fleshman (as Pippin’s father) and Irene Crist (as his grandmother), longtime veterans of Playhouse shows, are character actors who Memphis is only too lucky not to have lost to Broadway years ago. As Pippin’s love interest, local Kim Baker is that rare belle with a heavenly voice and great comic timing.

“Pippin” reunites one of Playhouse’s most successful creative duos — Chicago director Scott Ferguson and Memphis choreographer Jay Rapp. Together they have put together a staging with a circusy feeling that nods to musical theater of the past.

Rapp’s choreography, in particular, is mesmerizing throughout; the dancing is seductive, aggressive and very funny all at once.

Sure, “Pippin” is a musical that can be done simply. But why let all the gorgeous new technology — like the projection system that sprays images across the entire set — go to waste?

Now that Playhouse has its dream space, they are looking for the same thing as Pippin. To find their “own corner of the sky.” And judging from this production, the sky is the limit.

"Pippin"

“Pippin” runs through Feb. 21 at the new Playhouse on the Square, 66 S. Cooper. Shows are 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $35 adults, $20 seniors, students, military, $15 children. Call 726-4656.