the mommy avenger

Theater is a magical thing. When done well, it transports us, transforms us, and leaves us thinking about what we’ve just witnessed long after the final bow. Such is the case with Life of Pi, currently playing at the Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City. This stage adaptation of Yann Martel’s award-winning novel is a breathtaking journey that must be experienced to be believed.

For those unfamiliar with the story, Life of Pi follows the incredible tale of Pi Patel, a sixteen-year-old boy who survives a harrowing shipwreck only to find himself stranded in the middle of the Pacific Ocean on a lifeboat. But he is not alone. Sharing his precarious refuge is a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker, along with a few other unexpected (and short-lived) companions: a zebra, an orangutan, and a hyena. As Pi fights for survival, he also grapples with the nature of truth, faith, and the very essence of storytelling itself. Is his journey exactly as he describes it, or is there a darker, more complex reality beneath the surface? The play, like the book and film before it, leaves us pondering long after we leave the theater.

One of the most striking elements of this production is its ability to make us believe. From the moment the story begins, we are swept into Pi’s world, and much of this is due to the truly outstanding performance of Taha Mandviwala as Pi. Carrying a show of this magnitude is no easy feat, yet Mandviwala does so with an ease and sincerity that is captivating. His portrayal of Pi is heartfelt, nuanced, and full of raw emotion. He makes us feel Pi’s fear, his wonder, and ultimately, his resilience.

While Mandviwala’s performance is mesmerizing, it is impossible to ignore the sheer technical wizardry that makes this production an unforgettable experience. Transforming a stage into the vast Pacific Ocean and then back to a hospital room in Mexico City is no small feat, yet the creative team behind Life of Pi pulls it off seamlessly. The movement of the lifeboat on the waves, the illusion of water stretching endlessly into the horizon, and even the bioluminescent glow of sea creatures beneath the surface—every visual element works in perfect harmony to immerse the audience completely.

And then, there are the puppets. Oh, the puppets! Forget what you think you know about stage puppetry because Life of Pi redefines the craft. These aren’t just props manipulated by puppeteers; they are living, breathing entities that demand our attention. The zebra, the orangutan, the hyena, and, of course, Richard Parker the tiger—each creature moves with such precision and realism that you forget they aren’t real. The way Richard Parker prowls, stretches, and fixes Pi with his intense gaze is absolutely spellbinding. The illusion is so complete that at times, you catch yourself holding your breath as if the tiger might leap into the audience at any moment.

The imagery in this production is simply stunning. Every element, from the shifting backdrop to the delicate interplay of light and shadow, contributes to a world that feels both dreamlike and intensely real. One moment, we are adrift in a vast, endless sea, the next, we are engulfed by a violent storm that has us gripping our seats. The attention to detail in creating these breathtaking visuals is something that has to be seen to be fully appreciated.

A word of advice for those planning to see Life of Pi at the Eccles—opt for an elevated seat if possible. While every seat in the theater offers a fantastic experience, those in the mezzanine or balcony will get the added bonus of seeing the full depth of the ocean effects. There are waves rolling beneath Pi’s boat, shimmering fish swimming below, and a host of other visual treats that might be harder to appreciate from the orchestra level. This is one of those productions where having a bird’s-eye view enhances the magic.

If you have not yet secured your tickets for Life of Pi, don’t wait too long! This is a theatrical experience that should not be missed. Tickets are available online at Broadway at the Eccles, and I highly recommend grabbing yours before this mesmerizing journey sails away. Life of Pi at the Eccles is an experience that will stay with you long after the lights go down. Prepare to be transported, amazed, and left in awe of the power of storytelling. This is theater at its very best.

^{*we were invited to facilitate a feature, all opinions are our own*}