ORANGE COUNTY STAGE REVIEWS : ‘PIPPIN’

“Pippin,” at Saddleback College, bears the unmistakable stamp of its original director, Bob Fosse, and this production keeps the Fosse-esque brand of glitzy cynicism intact in its telling of the fable of Pippin, son of Charlemagne, and his search for fulfillment. What it lacks is an element of seductive good humor and the show-biz savvy that would make this stylized show more satisfying.

Scenic designer Wally Huntoon has the right idea, employing an assortment of multicolored murals that contrast against a minimal background. The settings are true to the spirit of the show, yet they add a fresh perspective of their own. But, unfortunately, this is the only element of the show that is truly engaging. Director Patrick Fennell has taken a decidedly casual approach, failing to emphasize the wry humor needed to carry off both the show’s gaminess and its often platitudinous tone. Many of the Stephen Schwartz songs are taken at a gallop, without a sense of conviction or purpose. And although Cyrus Parker’s choreography is entertaining, it is presented as a series of dance breaks rather than as an integrated part of a whole.

The central roles of the Leading Player (the show’s narrator) and Pippin are played, respectively, by Shane R. Donavan and Runner. Both betray a certain self-consciousness, so that the audience is kept at arm’s length rather than being invited into the spirit of the show. Donavan plays up the Leading Player’s sinister notes but downplays his charm, which works against the character’s zesty theatricality. Runner’s Pippin lacks a basic integrity that reduces the character’s idealism to so much pap. Further, his Pippin offers no progression of moods--he’s essentially the same character at the end of the show that he is in the opening scene--and his song delivery has a self-indulgent rock ‘n’ roll feel.

Lisa Spell isn’t quite naughty enough as Fastrada, Pippin’s scheming stepmother, but she plays the role with a devil-may-care ease. Kathi Merkel plays Catherine, the good woman Pippin comes to love, in a warm manner that misses the wit of the role but is suitably wistful. As Charlemagne, Christopher J. Caputo’s comic timing could use some fine tuning, but he’s an effectively robust buffoon, and Karen Ilene Peltz’s turn as the life-loving grandmother is nicely done. The 15-member chorus plays a variety of characters with real bravura and provides some choice comic bits.

R. Craig Wolf’s lighting is varied to lavish effect, and Charles Castagno’s costumes have the appropriately rag-bag look of a traveling theater troupe. The prerecorded music is augmented by Diane King’s keyboard accompaniment, and the result is a full sound marred only by some very fuzzy hand mikes.

“Pippin” continues through Feb. 16 at Saddleback College, 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo. Information is available at (714) 582-4756.