Tuesday, February 24, 2004

BY ZACHARY LEWIS
Of The Patriot-News

"Pippin" is the kind of show that probably always will be relevant. Told in the format of a medieval morality play, lesson by lesson, the life-affirming musical touches on universal themes from the core of the human condition.

However, that's not the real reason to see Theatre Harrisburg's new production at Whitaker Center.

Go to be entertained. The cast, directed by Thomas Hostetter and Marc Farrell, holds back no amount of energy and the show can be counted as a success in most if not quite all ways.

Bob Fosse made "Pippin" a hit in 1972 when he presented the original music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, author of "Godspell," in trademark style. His hand is still visible in the narrator's cane-and-hat dances and the mimelike opening tableau.

Judy Williams Henry is the choreographer of this production. Allen Brenner contributed scenery, the lighting design is by Scott Summers, and the costumes are by Paul Foltz. Credit Dave Walker for making Pippin sound as if he were leading a political rally in a stadium in the "Revolution" sequence.

Pippin is the son of Charlemagne, ruler of the Holy Roman Empire, well-played here by Ken Robinson. His problem is that he is sensitive: He cannot find meaning in the world now that education has opened his eyes. He embarks on a mission to sample life's pleasures -- fame, power, physical delight -- but finds true satisfaction elsewhere.

Michael Zorger fulfills the duties of the title role. He possesses a reasonably strong (and occasionally overmiked) voice that shines its brightest late in the show, in "Extraordinary" and "Morning Glow." Though not exactly a show-stopper, the innocent "Prayer for a Duck" was a moment to savor.

Maria Petrilak, as Catherine, has the best voice in the show, controlled and unwavering. She delivers her main solo, "Kind of Woman," with operatic flourish.

Fastrada is the wily stepmother with a grudge. Amy Corl is a delight in the part, evoking Marilyn Monroe in her breathy performance of "Spread a Little Sunshine."

Madeline Blackway, as Berthe, Pippin's fun-loving grandmother, makes up for a thin voice with oodles of charm and spirit. She got the audience to sing along in her big, seize-the-day number, "No Time at All."

Mark Arner is the "Leading Player," the narrator and director of the show-within-the-show. Arner is a committed performer, but his lines in Saturday night's opening performance were often hard to understand.

This "Pippin" has a lot going for it in the visual dimension. Pippin, for instance, has a conversation with a realistic looking severed head. The cathedral scene, too, leaves an impression with real candles, a well-painted stone-like scrim and hooded robes.