Cappies Review: 'Pippin' at Thomas Jefferson High School

By Samantha Grooms of Meridian High School

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology transported audiences into the dazzling world of magical circus acts, fearless sword fights, and wholesome love songs through its sparkling performance of "Pippin."

This popular Broadway musical by Stephen Schwartz, Roger O. Hirson, and Bob Fosse began its debut in 1972 and went on to win multiple Tony Awards. The coming-of-age story tells the tale of Pippin, a young prince, who is desperately searching for something fulfilling in his life, and it is all performed by a traveling troupe of players.

Each actor delivered a completely immersive experience with their unicycling across the stage, hula hooping tricks, and dancing through the aisles. The bubbles floating through the air mixed with the pit of fire pushing out smoke created an unforgettable circus performance with flashing lights and twirling ribbons. The bouncy carnival music combined with the vibrant LED lights throughout the set, pulsing in sync to the beat, transformed an ordinary stage into a magical spectacle.

In particular, Pippin, played by Prajeet Chitty, was an over-eager, extraordinary boy, who desperately wanted to find meaning in his unfulfilling life. From valiantly fighting in war against the Visigoths to drinking in bars with women to starting his own revolution and becoming king, he simply could not find something satisfying enough. Eventually, he learned through belting out "Corner of the Sky" to his wholesome "Love Song" that the thing he was searching for might not be what he wanted all along. This notion frustrates Leading Player, performed by Yasmin Kudrati-Plummer, who is the intriguing puppeteer pulling the strings and leading Pippin to his epic grand finale throughout the entire performance. Her constant presence, even when she was not singing, oozed power and control as she put every prop and actor in place with a snap of her fingers.

Other notable characters include Fastrada, played by Ella Tysse, who was a calculating and manipulative "simple housewife," who would do anything to crown her strong but unintelligent son as king. Every one of her movements was clear and defined, showing her character through more than just her vocals, which were also impressive in "Spread a Little Sunshine." Her commanding and power-hungry husband, Charlemagne, played by Sri Vellakkat, was also a comedic king, ordering hundreds of peasants to be slaughtered each day, while also being strung along by his enticing wife.

The entire spectacle of a show could not have come together without lighting and sets that immersed the audience into the medieval world of circus acts and royalty. The lights, done by Charles Bucher, Natalie Nardone, Ella Clarke, and Cullan Kelley, were spectacular from the red, hot color during war and fire to the twinkling stars in the sky. Every light was perfectly timed in sync with the music and actors to fully connect the whole musical into a performance. The massive set, created by TJTA's Pippin Set Design Team, was a wooden creation with two towers, a carnival tent, a rope bridge, and a pole. This sturdy set allowed actors to hang off every ledge and railing, with a stage extension making it possible for them to fall into the pit during battle and execution. Also, the unforgettable king's throne that transformed into a mobile ladder added depth to the show.

The mysterious players mixed with the personality-filled royal court blended together in this magical circus act with an unexpectedly memorable finale in Thomas Jefferson High School's performance of "Pippin."

"Pippin" is being performed April 27, 28, 29 and May 5 and 6at 7 p.m. and April 29 and May 6 at 2 p.m.