After reading the review of Pippin in the April 16 issue of The Poly, I had reservations about going to see the production. I have seen the musical on more than one occasion, and had the opportunity to play in the pit orchestra of my high school production of Pippin. With my knowledge of the musical, I was not ready to see the Players change it on any large-scale basis. I have only seen one other production by the Players, and to say that the musical was “suited to the Players” does not tell me what to expect when I walk into the Playhouse. After talking to the president of the Players, Rick Casey, I chose to see the play anyway, and I am very glad I did.

I put the review out of my mind, and instead went to the Playhouse on Thursday night with no expectations. Pippin is not a classic musical. It uses mismatched costumes and a bare stage. The set depends on lighting and props. If anything would affect the overall performance of the play, it would be the absence of any of these things. I was pleasantly surprised as the lights dimmed and the show started. After the first few scenes, my misgivings about the musical subsided.

I particularly enjoyed the voices of Carrie DePetris (Catherine), and Brian Waite (Pippin). Every member of the cast, crew, and orchestra did an excellent job. However, the review did not spend much time complimenting or critiquing the cast or crew. I found the bulk of the review seemed to harp on the absence of all the “typical” musical trimmings, when it should have been talking about how well the Players used props and lighting to enhance the show.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Players production of Pippin, and I agree that it was well worth the $5 I spent to see it. However, I do not feel the review did Pippin or the Players justice. Perhaps more research into the musical would have encouraged more people to view the play.

Erica Baer