East End Theater Review: "Pippin" Earns Opening Night Standing Ovation

There is a tradition of theatrical magic always being performed on the historic North Fork Community Theatre stage. The Saturday performance of Pippin over opening weekend was just the latest example of just how special both the venue and the North Fork Community Theatre Youth Program are. With a rousing enthusiastic standing ovation from the packed Mattituck audience the production of Pippin, performed by the talented youngsters, can only be labeled a total success.

This production of Pippin, the musical, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, is directed by Chelsea Chizever, with musical direction by Karen Hochstedler. I also want to give credit to both Brett Chizever and Jenna Spates for assisting in the many ways they did.

Pippin is this summer's Youth on Stage production at North Fork Community Theatre in Mattituck. Youth on Stage features actors ages 14 to 22. Performances are set for Thursdays to Sundays, July 18 to August 4.

I totally enjoyed every aspect of this production - the singing, the dancing, the costumes, the live music and the lighting. Kudos to all.

I need to praise of a few of the young actors who were sensational.

Michael Krudler's performance as Charlemagne is alone worth the price of the ticket. His timing, line delivery and overall stage presence was Tony award winning.

David Lopez as Pippin also gives a strong performance, showing off his great voice, and natural stage movements.

Alexandra Meli who portrays the Leading Player, won me over with her first lines and first song. Definitely a talent to watch moving forward in East End theater.

Kierra Prentiss is stellar as Berthe, as is Allie O'Connor as Fastrada. Kat Modenski won the audience over as Catherine. Also worthy of praise for their performances are Justin Stuart as Lewis, and Grace Lowell as Theo.

I want to congratulate the cast complete cast. High praise and cheers to David Lopez, Alexandra Meli, Michael Krulder, Kierra Prentiss, Allie O'Connor, Kat Motlenski, Justin Stuart, Grace Lovell, Jason Rios, Joey Podlas, Jesse Meehan, David Bassemir, John Yaiullo, Micky Kalich, Arianna McMorris, Sarah Scarborough, Jocelyn Podlas, Maeve Meyers, Becca Lukachinski, Grace Lukachinski, Aydin Fidelli, Jonathan Montgomery, Ryan Wilcox, Isaiah Mraz, Connor Liddell, Ryan Buchholz, Sarah Jordan, Jill Tuthill, Savannah Corwin-Hall, Kathleen Kelly, Lila Bowe, Olivia Mannino and Gabriella Kuklinski.

I strongly suggest you get a ticket to see Pippin. It is that enjoyable.

The North Fork Community Theatre is located at 12700 Sound Avenue in Mattituck. For more information, visit www.nfct.com.