NB High School Presents Spectacular Musical
The North Babylon High School Drama Club presented "Pippin" on the evenings of Feb. 11 & 12. Both evenings had a packed house because this community eagerly looks forward to fine productions directed by Mr. David Signorelli who has wowed audiences for many years now. This year was no exception.
Mr. Signorelli chose "Pippin" because it is, as he said, "a clever, conceptual musical which is full of energy, humor, great music and above all a terrific message." His assessment proved to be correct. Pippin, the son of King Charlemagne, knew that he was "Extraordinary" and should do extraordinary things but nothing seemed to satisfy or make him happy. He was a university student, a soldier, a politician, and then a king but remained empty and unfulfilled until he met Catherine and her young son Theo. At that point he began to see the beauty of the simple things of life and realized that what he had been looking for was right in front of him all along. A good message for everyone!
Everything worked exceedingly well in this production. The acting was outstanding. The Leading Player (the handsome Mark Maurice) kept the audience mesmerized with his razzle dazzle showmanship, acting, singing, and dancing. Kevin Crowley was perfectly cast as a quite believable Pippin who was searching desperately for meaning in his life. Jamie Calo who played Berthe, Pippin’s sassy grandmother, was totally realistic and "looked her age" with the makeup and costuming. Luke VanderPutten, who played Charles, had stage presence as he strutted around the stage, sang, and looked regal. Tricia Davila (Fastrada), Emily Abma (Catherine), Jonathan Quarant (Lewis) and Brian Frank (Theo) were also perfectly cast and did their part in making this a fabulous show.
The lighting was superb and added atmosphere. The costumes, representing the masses of humanity, included all possible styles and cultures and were, as Mr. Signorelli says, "a mix of Cirque du Soleil meets Mardi Gras meets Backyard Magic Show." The costumes worked and created an eclectic, colorful fantasy that delighted the eye.
The acting, the sets, the costumes, the lighting, the choreography all needed one more element for a seamless production and that was the music. The pit orchestra fit beautifully into the production. Student musicians were joined by Mr. Frank Rizzo who conducted, Mr. Jay Orig, Mr. Dominic DePaola, Ms. Nicole Verderosa, and Mrs. Kristin Lombardo.
Kudos to over a hundred cast members who gave North Babylon quite an enjoyable theatrical experience! Mr. Signorelli, you have done it once again!
