The Return of "The Musical of Musicals: The Musical"

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 2/5/05 at 8:00am

Yay! "The Musical of Musicals: The Musical" has begun an open-ended run at the Dodger Stages, after a smash engagement presented by the York Theatre Company. I'm very happy that this show has returned. I don't want to make any specific overtures, but if you haven't seen this show, go now! Everybody who knows a thing or two about Broadway will have a grand old time. Also, they have released a cast album that can be treasured for always. If I seem a little excited, it's because I AM!

[Dollypop]

Posted: 2/5/05 at 8:26am

I've been invited to Opening Night and am excited about it!

[MusicMan]

Posted: 2/5/05 at 9:28am

A very smart, hilarious show.

[Razz77]

Posted: 2/5/05 at 11:22am

Yes! Go see this show -- it's so SMART and funny -- I honestly think I kind of giggled the entire time. I'm worried it might not find its audience at Dodger Stages (because honestly has anything found its audience at Dodger Stages yet) -- so go see this show!

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 2/5/05 at 4:26pm

I'm not worried, because the show already has a pretty big following.

[Razz77]

Posted: 2/5/05 at 4:30pm

yes you're correct --- and they're advertising it as having had SO MUCH BUZZ - which it certainly did. I'm sure people will have to see what the buzz is about...I think it's so great that the writers/cast are sticking with the show for its transfer -- I think the cast is PERFECT (Joanne Bogart singing all of the 'older supporting female power ballads' is BRILLIANT)

[RumTumTugger22]

Posted: 2/5/05 at 5:56pm

it sounds like something out of Fiddler.

"Wonder of Wonders, The Musical of Musicals..."

[cturtle]

Posted: 2/5/05 at 7:21pm

no, it's not something out of FIDDLER, but it *IS* something out of OKLAHOMA, CAROUSEL, A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, COMPANY, HELLO DOLLY, MAME, ASPECTS OF LOVE, EVITA, CABARET, CHICAGO, and on and on and on.

i thought it was really funny, and i enjoy the cast album. but my man thought it was something that would go over well at a retirement center in southwest florida and didn't like the i-can't-pay-the-rent/you-must-pay-the-rent/i'll-pay-the-rent plot repetition.

[iflitifloat]

Posted: 2/19/05 at 8:26am

But the repetition of the same basic, simplistic plot elements (such as "I can't pay the rent / You must pay the rent) was essential for telling the same story in five different styles. It is essential to the concept. Without the plot repetition, there IS no Musical of Musicals.

I also don't see this working outside of areas with a theater-savvy demographic. What is clever (brilliant, even) parody when one gets the references, would no doubt come off as mere silliness to the totally unfamiliar.

I saw it for the second time last night, and I enjoyed it every bit as much as when I saw it last Labor Day. Maybe more, because I caught references I'd missed the first time around.

The opening segment a la Rodgers and Hammerstein is probably the weakest of the lot, but it's amusing and it lays out the basic plot structure that will be repeated, with spin, four more times. For those who don't know, the same basic plot is retold in the styles of Sondheim, Jerry Herman, ALW, and Kander & Ebb. Musical riffs are very nearly plagerized from the originals, but not quite. (I think it must take an amazing talent to create the impression of something without really just copying it.) And recognizable phrases and lyrics from the original composers are twisted with great wittiness.

I think this could have the makings of a cult classic, at least in New York. It's fun. It's a great show to see with a group of friends. And it wears well on repeat visits. Of course, maybe not, because the target audience is probably a tad older than the crowd visiting Wicked, Brklyn, or Rent fifty times.

If I were involved with the show, I would be marketing it heavily to every college or high school with a theater program. It would be a terrific group trip for, say, the High School Drama Club.

Updated On: 2/19/05 at 08:26 AM

Posted: 2/19/05 at 9:20am

I enjoyed this very much, and laughed loudly numerous times. The Sondheim, and the Kander and Ebb versions were especially funny, and quite clever. The Finale was a quite a topper, too.

The cast does a terrific job, and are very likeable.

If you have any knowledge of OKLAHOMA, SWEENEY TODD, MAME/HELLO DOLLY, EVITA, and/or CHICAGO, you'll have a great time. Say, that must mean pretty big audiences, country-wide, for MUSICAL OF MUSICALS.

The more you know, the more you'll enjoy yourself.

My recommendation is: See it if you like to laugh.


Updated On: 2/19/05 at 09:20 AM

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 2/19/05 at 9:25am

Yeah, I would definitely agree that you should probably stay away if you don't have a great knowledge of musical theatre. A lot of the jokes would go over your head, and you probably wouldn't have very much fun.

Posted: 2/19/05 at 9:41am

MEF, That's not what I'm saying.

I beleve anyone who likes to laugh should go. Even someone with any exposure to the concept of musicals will have a good time, in my opinion. Like everything else in life, however, the more one knows about any subject, the more one can appreciate variations.

J.

[TxTwoStep]

Posted: 2/19/05 at 5:05pm

i just can't quite "get" this show. There are some clever moments, but it's mainly kind of bad puns. i also was not expecially taken with the cast...i can see the performer/writers not being true triple-threats, but the other two should have been a lot better, with much more variety...more like the FORBIDDEN B'WAY casts. If it's the piano skills holding back best casting, go ahead and hire a pianist for pete's sake.

i'm not saying it was awful, but i don't get the buzz factor at all.