Theater Review – June 22, 2025

“LIFE OF PI” IS SAD STORY PRESENTED BRILLIANTLY AT ASU GAMMAGE ALTHOUGH OPENING NIGHT WAS STOPPED DUE TO TECHNICAL ISSUES

“Life of Pi”
Broadway Across America – Arizona, ASU Gammage
Tempe, AZ

By Chris Curcio
Theater Critic

Lolita Chakrabarti’s stage version of “Life of Pi,” based on Yann Martel’s novel, was an eagerly awaited entry on the local Broadway season because of its critically-acclaimed London and New York productions.

Unfortunately, the Tuesday opening night performance was plagued.  Arriving at the theater at 7, patrons expected to access their seats but the theater remained closed until 7:15 when reported onstage technical problems were supposedly resolved.

The announced 7:30 curtain finally rose about 7:45 and the rich play about an Indian youth and his four furry “friends” – a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, and a Bengal tiger – spun out with wild theatricality as animal “puppets” on stage represented Pi’s “pals.”  The fascinating play was evolving with fabulous resolve.

With the first act almost over, the play suddenly stopped and an announcement said that a brief 5-minute pause would begin. It was then announced that a longer 20-minute break was necessary to resolve “technical problems.”  Patrons returned to hear the final announcement that the performance would not continue.  As people departed, those in the know said theatergoers would be contacted with options for the cancelled performance.

Turns out that the giant turntable that moved the scenery that represented the various locales of Pi’s adventures could not be repaired.  Options included either a refund or searching to find available tickets at the remaining seven performances.  I finally saw the wonderfully endearing and heartbreaking tale at Saturday’s matinee.

It was worth the hassle to return to ASU Gammage to experience the entire theatrical adventure.  After a shipwreck, 16-year-old Pi survives thanks to a lifeboat he inhabits with the four animals and his remaining voyage proved an “unforgettable journey.” The piece explores how a person can survive a very challenging situation. The very dangerous tiger dominates and Pi lives through remarkable ingenuity.

The touring cast includes some veterans of the Broadway and London productions and it is superlative as is director Max Webster’s storytelling (recreated for the tour by Ashley Brooke Monroe) which is masterful and draws the audience into Pi’s telling expedition.  On opening night, Pi was played superbly in a very athletic performance by Taha Mandviwala but at the Saturday matinee the alternative Pi, Savidu Geevaratne, played the amazing character with the same believability and physical prowess.

The multiple people who enlivened the four animals were wonderful and the puppets were very clever.  The gifted ensemble tackled the supporting roles with exquisite perfection and in a play where every word of dialogue is critical, the sound system made words understood.

Yes, it was annoying to see only a partial performance opening night but returning to witness all of “Life of Pi” proved an indelible theatrical gift. “Life of Pi” played through Sunday, June 22.

Grade: A