Downriver Theatre Company’s `Pippin’ may be its best play yet

A small but appreciative audience was treated in Machias Friday to “Pippin,” which may be Downriver Theatre Company’s most original and insightful production of its five summer seasons.

The play, written by Roger O. Hirson, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (“Godspell”), is set “thereabouts” in the Holy Roman Empire of 780 A.D. Yet Pippin is clearly rooted in the political and moral turmoil of the 1960s and ’70s, with themes of war, love and search for identity, that are both familiar and contemporary in the 1990s.

Prince Pippin, energetically played with emotional sensitivity by Edward W. Remiszewski, a theater intern from New Haven, Conn., is the son of King Charles and next in line to rule the Holy Roman Empire. He is neither a warrior nor soldier, but decides to seek “glory” in “service to Christ and king,” by going to war with his father against the Visigoths.

Bloodied limbs are tossed onto the stage as the cast sings “Glory.” With the victory assured, Charles, played by local favorite Kevin Geel, declares with cheerful enthusiasm, “Now it’s time to sack and rape.” Instead of finding fulfillment and glory in battle, a disillusioned Pippin admits, “I feel empty and vacant,” and does not participate in the post-battle revelry.

He seeks out love, but is lured then corrupted into experiencing only its physical excesses. A wild dance-orgy ends with an obviously confused Pippin screaming, “Enough!” Asked if he is satisfied by the experience, Pippin again responds, “I feel empty and vacant.”

In the scenes that follow, Pippin becomes king after he is duped by his stepmother Fastrada into murdering his father, Charles. Instead of ending the “injustice and tyranny” of King Charles’ reign, Pippin learns he is no better than his father. Pippin promises land for all and to end taxes, only to rescind his orders when his country is attacked. He becomes “Pippin the Unpopular,” failing to make good on his reforms.

The remainder of the play revolves around Pippin’s search for discovery. He loses his will to live until meeting Catherine, a young widow, who attempts to save him in his failed search for fulfillment.

In the end Pippin must decide if he is willing to give up the sets, lights, costumes and “magic” of the life’s theater for the love of a woman. He must choose between what in life is only window dressing and what is real.

“Pippin” is a fast-moving play that delivers a frequently biting social commentary dressed in a mostly comedic wrapper. It will make you laugh and, if you let it, will make you think.

Marjorie Ahlin, as the aging but sexually able Berthe, Pippin’s grandmother, provides the musical highlight of the play, with her hot ‘n’ sassy performance of “No Time At All.” Her number alone is worth the price of admission.

Amy Waguespack, a student at the University of Maine at Machias, was flawless as Cahtherine. Joanne Williams, another local favorite, displayed exceptional vocal ability in her performance of “Spread a Little Sunshine.”

The survival of small, community theater groups is dependent on a loyal base of local support. Downriver Theatre Company has consistently delivered quality, affordable entertainment to the Machias community. “Pippin” is no exception and should not be missed.

“Pippin” concludes this week with performances at 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, July 20-24, at the DTC theater at Gay’s Wreath Shop on the Marshfield Ridge Road in Machias. For ticket information or reservations, call 255-4997 weekdays between noon and 5 p.m.