'Pippin' full of talented performers

The musical "Pippin" opens with a promise: "We've got magic to do, just for you." Spectacular choreography, impressive lead actors, and solid technical elements came together to deliver on that promise in Westtown School's magical production of "Pippin."

Stephen Schwartz's "Pippin" uses the premise of a traveling troupe of players to tell the story of Pippin, a perennially dissatisfied young prince on a quest to find his "corner of the sky." The original 1972 production was a long-running Broadway hit and a recent revival won four Tony Awards, including the 2013 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical.

Originally directed by legendary choreographer Bob Fosse, "Pippin" is a dance-heavy show, and Westtown School's student-designed choreography more than delivered. Cast members kept up with the complicated dance moves, which ranged from fast and fun in "War is a Science" to slow and sensual in "With You." Rabia King and Maddie Kreitzberg stood out for their lively acrobatics in dances during scene transitions.

Pippin and Leading Player are both demanding roles in an already challenging show, but Nathan Mullen and India Henderson led the cast with gusto. Mullen's beautiful voice and excellent comedic timing shone in numbers like "Corner of the Sky" and "With You," while Henderson wowed the audience with her polished vocals and precise physical movements in "Simple Joys" and "On the Right Track."

The supporting cast was equally impressive. Mercedes Horton, who played Pippin's youthful grandmother Berthe, and Zach Gambill, who played dim-witted step-brother Lewis, both delighted with their consistent energy and hilarious physicalities. Westtown School's production of "Pippin" emphasized the circus elements of the show, with ensemble members dressed as bearded ladies, sad clowns, and more. The confidence and vocal power of some ensemble members improved as the show progressed.

Students occupied a number of leadership positions behind the scenes. Gabby Evans trained a team of six to execute her creative hair and makeup designs. Stage manager Abby Kaplan and her able crew kept the show running smoothly. The vocal power in group numbers such as "Glory" and "Morning Glow" was undeniable.

The talented performers at Westtown School ultimately delivered on their promise of magic, producing an entertaining and satisfying show that had the audience on its feet in "just no time at all."