Leading Ladies' production of 'Pippin' brings magic to the stage
Alison Doherty
Issue date: 11/19/09 Section: Arts
The Leading Ladies' fall semester show, Pippin, premieres tonight and, after sitting in on a rehearsal and talking to the cast, it appears that this show is capable of entertaining every member of the Smith community.
There are jazzy solos mixed with well-performed harmonies for the musically inclined. Aside from the singing, a four-piece orchestra accompanies the vocalists and adds to the spirit of the music.
Those who are politically or philosophically inclined will be drawn in by the two underlying messages of Pippin. The play centers on a character's quest to lead a meaningful life, bringing him to try out the military, religion and domestic life before revealing a powerful culminating message - which I won't ruin for you - regarding the possibilities of an individual.
The second message, which seems particularly pertinent as students debate whether Obama should increase the military presence in Afghanistan, is the purpose of war. Since the play was originally a response to the Vietnam War, songs like "War is a Science" and "Glory" create a clear anti-war message.
Yet, musical theater lovers and corny romantics should not be kept away by these serious themes. The show is still full of upbeat musical numbers, jazz hands and exciting, colorful makeup.
The show is also heavy on dancing, something unusual for the Leading Ladies. However, the directors and cast member Melissa King '12, whose ballet solo you should watch out for, tried to create choreography which would work with the cast's abilities but still look good. The Fosse poses are not lost and dazzle along with other dance moves performed onstage.
Leading Ladies, founded in 2002 as Smith's first and only strictly musical theater group, presents cast members with interesting challenges as an all-Smith performance.
Anna Richardson '10 - now in her fifth Leading Ladies production - emphasized that the group would open its doors to any transgender member of the Smith community, yet the plays have been in effect all female.
There are jazzy solos mixed with well-performed harmonies for the musically inclined. Aside from the singing, a four-piece orchestra accompanies the vocalists and adds to the spirit of the music.
Those who are politically or philosophically inclined will be drawn in by the two underlying messages of Pippin. The play centers on a character's quest to lead a meaningful life, bringing him to try out the military, religion and domestic life before revealing a powerful culminating message - which I won't ruin for you - regarding the possibilities of an individual.
The second message, which seems particularly pertinent as students debate whether Obama should increase the military presence in Afghanistan, is the purpose of war. Since the play was originally a response to the Vietnam War, songs like "War is a Science" and "Glory" create a clear anti-war message.
Yet, musical theater lovers and corny romantics should not be kept away by these serious themes. The show is still full of upbeat musical numbers, jazz hands and exciting, colorful makeup.
The show is also heavy on dancing, something unusual for the Leading Ladies. However, the directors and cast member Melissa King '12, whose ballet solo you should watch out for, tried to create choreography which would work with the cast's abilities but still look good. The Fosse poses are not lost and dazzle along with other dance moves performed onstage.
Leading Ladies, founded in 2002 as Smith's first and only strictly musical theater group, presents cast members with interesting challenges as an all-Smith performance.
Anna Richardson '10 - now in her fifth Leading Ladies production - emphasized that the group would open its doors to any transgender member of the Smith community, yet the plays have been in effect all female.
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