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A Voyage of Spirit and Spectacle: Life of Pi at Keller Auditorium, Portland
Last night, I was swept away by a theatrical experience that felt more like a dream than a stage production. Life of Pi, currently playing at the Keller Auditorium in Portland through April 13th, is a dazzling display of artistry, emotion, and pure storytelling magic. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the novel or walking into the story for the first time (like I was), this production will leave your heart full and your imagination ignited.
Let me say it plainly: this is one of the most visually and emotionally stunning shows I’ve ever seen—and yes, it’s an incredible pick for families too. Though this is not your typical Broadway show as there is no music or songs but it kept my interest from the very beginning to the very end.
The Story: A Tale of Survival, Spirituality, and Self-Discovery
Based on the bestselling novel by Yann Martel, Life of Pi tells the story of Piscine Molitor Patel, a curious and philosophical young boy from India who finds himself stranded in the middle of the Pacific Ocean after a shipwreck. His only companions? A small group of animals from his family’s zoo—most notably, a massive Bengal tiger named Richard Parker.
Is it based on a true story? Not exactly. While the premise is fictional, it feels deeply human and emotionally real. The story dives into themes of faith, resilience, grief, hope, and the power of belief, all wrapped in an epic survival journey. What’s brilliant is how the play dances between reality and storytelling—posing a provocative question: which version of the story do you choose to believe?
The Puppetry: Richard Parker Steals the Show
One of the most jaw-dropping elements of the production is the puppetry—specifically the majestic, mesmerizing presence of Richard Parker. Yes, the tiger is a puppet. And yes, you will absolutely forget that within seconds.
Brought to life by a trio of visible puppeteers, Richard Parker moves with breathtaking realism. You can see the effort, coordination, and intention behind every flick of the tail, twitch of an ear, or low growl. The way the tiger snarls, lounges, and even locks eyes with Pi is emotionally arresting. It’s a living, breathing character, not a gimmick.
And Richard Parker isn’t alone. There are zebras, hyenas, orangutans—and each animal is crafted with stunning detail and operated with such finesse, you’ll be glued to their every move. The production doesn’t hide the puppeteers either; it celebrates them, making their physical storytelling an essential part of the narrative tapestry.
Shadow Work & Visual Brilliance
Complementing the puppetry is a masterclass in shadow play and visual effects. The stage transforms fluidly from a bustling Indian market to the stillness of the open sea, using a mix of projected light, swirling fabric, and delicate shadow silhouettes.
One particularly memorable moment involved Pi being tossed about in a storm—his small boat dwarfed by towering waves and flashes of lightning, all conjured with nothing more than light, movement, and sound. It’s the kind of moment that makes you forget you’re sitting in a theater, and instead convinces you you’re on that lifeboat, heart pounding, soaked to the bone.
The storytelling is deeply cinematic, and yet never loses the intimacy of live theater. You can feel the weight of Pi’s loneliness, the terror of being alone with a predator, and the transcendent beauty of moments of connection and wonder.
The Cast: Anchored by an Exceptional Lead
Taha Mandviwala, who plays Pi, delivers a powerful, grounded, and deeply moving performance. He carries nearly every scene, taking us through Pi’s emotional journey with a perfect balance of innocence, curiosity, despair, and defiance. It’s not easy to act alongside a massive puppet tiger and hold your own—but Mandviwala does more than that. He invites us into Pi’s inner world and makes us root for him at every turn.
The ensemble cast is equally fantastic, playing multiple roles with seamless transitions and emotional clarity. Special recognition also goes to the performers operating the puppets—not just for their skill, but for the soul they breathe into these creatures.
A Show for All Ages
While Life of Pi deals with complex themes, it’s done in a way that’s incredibly accessible for kids and adults alike. The show is family-friendly (ages 8 and up is ideal), offering just enough edge-of-your-seat drama, fantastical visuals, and food-for-thought moments to keep both kids and grownups engaged.
In fact, this might be the perfect first Broadway-style show for younger theatergoers—an introduction to how magical and emotional stage storytelling can be.
Don’t Miss This One
Life of Pi is not just a play—it’s an experience. It’s the kind of show that stirs your soul, makes you reflect on life’s biggest questions, and reminds you of the limitless power of imagination. The puppetry alone is worth the ticket, but the heart of the story is what lingers long after the lights come up.
If you’re in Portland, go see it before it sails away on April 13th. Trust me—this is one you’ll be thinking about long after the final bow.
ABOUT:
LIFE OF PI, first opened to great critical acclaim with its cutting-edge visual effect at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield in 2019. LIFE OF PI played Wyndham’s Theatre in London’s West End where it won five Olivier Awards in 2022, including Best New Play, Best Scenic Design and Best Lighting Design. In a historic first for the Olivier Awards, the seven performers who play Royal Bengal tiger “Richard Parker” were collectively awarded “Best Actor in a Supporting Role.”
LIFE OF PI made its Broadway premiere at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre on March 9, 2023 to celebratory reviews. won three Tony Awards for Best Scenic Design of a Play Best Lighting Design of a Play, and Best Sound Design of a Play, four Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Direction of a Play, Outstanding Scenic Design of a Play, Outstanding Projection and Video Design and Outstanding Puppetry and two Outer Critics Circle Awards for Outstanding Lighting Design of a Play or Musical and Outstanding Video or Projection Design of a Play or Musical.
Prior to its Broadway premiere, LIFE OF PI made its North American Premiere at the American Repertory Theater at Harvard University. Most recently, LIFE OF PI launched a UK & Ireland tour in the summer of 2023.
Tickets are available at www.BroadwayinPortland.com.
Tickets are available for groups of 10 or more by calling Group Sales at 503-295-3509 or by email at GroupSales@PortlandOpera.org.
Tuesday, April 8 7:30 pm
Wednesday, April 9 7:30 pm
Thursday, April 10 7:30 pm – American Sign Language Interpreted
Friday, April 11 7:30 pm – Audio Description
Saturday, April 12 2 pm and 7:30 pm
Sunday, April 13 1 pm and 6:30 pm – Open Caption
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