Review by Chris Heide
Taha Mandviwala as Pi and puppeteers Anna Leigh Gortner, Shiloh Goodin, and Toussaint Jeanlouis as Richard Parker. Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade 2024
At this point in time, it’s been well established that I love going to the theatre. I have probably seen over a hundred shows. Theatre, like any other art form, is a subjective medium. I have absolutely loved some productions and left other productions feeling unfulfilled. I have even seen some “bad” theatre- usually experiential or workshopped productions that are far from a polished final package. It is rare that I am able to attend a show with little-to-no knowledge of what I am about to see. With Life of Pie, I went in blind.
I have never read the book or seen the theatrical adaptation of Life of Pie. I vaguely knew that the show had something to do with existential themes- beyond that, I had no idea what I was about to witness. Frankly, I thought I was attending a musical, rather than a play. And this what this was- a lavishly dressed play.
Overall, the show fell flat for me. At times the book dragged, as many parts of the show are just one overly long scene. The use of puppets was interesting, but not my cup of tea. I didn’t like it in The Lion King and I didn’t like to here, although, admittedly, it was much better than watching CGI. The puppetry was impressive from a technical standpoint- it is just something I do not particularly enjoy. The set design felt drab for what seemed like 90% of the show, often lacking color or a design that made sense for the scene. During the second act, the main character, Pi, is mostly adrift on a boat with a tiger, seemingly lost at sea. Instead of showing us the sea through interesting and immersive set design, we witnessed the “at sea scenes” amongst a backdrop of a hospital- the hospital, where Pi was recounting his harrowing tale. The immersion into his memory was lacking.
On a positive note, Taha Mandviwala, who played Pi was a highlight of the show. He is onstage the ENTIRE time, and launches into numerous monologues about grief, religion, faith, spirituality, death…. Complex themes to portray on stage, but even more difficult when those themes are delivered through one character. He handled the material with emotional depth and acuity. The requirements of the part were actually quite impressive.
Life of Pi is not a bad show by any means. Its actually a perfectly fine show but misses the mark in terms of set design and immersion into the story. It is interesting that it won a Tony award for set design- a bit of a surprise given that it often pulled my focus from the main story. Overall, Life of Pi is a worthwhile watch- I did not regret watching it, but I know it will not leave the same impression on my psyche as well as some other productions. It is refreshing, however, that Broadway is taking more risks, breathing new life into creativity that will surely sustain this treasured art form.