Life of Pi – Orpheum Theater – Minneapolis MN – March 4th 2025

“Life of Pi,” the Tony Award® and Olivier Award-winning play, is currently running at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis from March 4 to March 9, 2025.

Review by Kyle Hansen

The play is an adaptation of Yann Martel’s best-selling novel, which sold over 15 million copies worldwide. It tells the epic tale of a sixteen-year-old boy named Pi who survives a shipwreck in the Pacific Ocean, finding himself on a lifeboat with a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, and a Royal Bengal tiger. The story unfolds as a remarkable journey of hope, faith, and perseverance that resonates across generations.

The Life of Pi play is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful adaptation of Yann Martel’s novel. It brings Pi Patel’s survival story to the stage through breathtaking puppetry, innovative set design, and a deeply moving performance by the cast.

One of the most impressive elements of the play is its use of puppetry to bring Richard Parker, the Bengal tiger, to life. The puppeteers work in perfect synchronization, making the tiger feel both majestic and terrifying. The way the production blends human performers with the animal characters adds a layer of theatrical magic that sets it apart from traditional stage adaptations.

The set design is another highlight. The ocean, the lifeboat, and even moments of Pi’s imagination are depicted through fluid and dynamic staging, often enhanced by projections and lighting that immerse the audience in his journey.

The emotional core of the play remains faithful to the novel, exploring themes of faith, survival, and storytelling. Pi’s character is played with incredible depth, capturing his wonder, fear, and resilience. The adaptation also stays true to the novel’s philosophical undertones, leaving the audience questioning the nature of reality and truth.

Overall, Life of Pi is a mesmerizing theater experience that blends technical innovation with a compelling human story. Whether you’ve read the book or not, the play is a must-see for its sheer theatrical brilliance.

Tonights performance og Pi was handled by Taha Mandviwala – Cook and Voice of Richard Parker by Ben Durocher and puppeteer and ensemble by Maya Rangulu.