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.
Sueleen Gay: "Here you go, Bitch, now go make some fukcing lemonade." 10/28/10
Updated On: 2/19/05 at 08:26 AM
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