It's a simple story - the young ingénue can't pay the rent, the evil landlord comes a calling, a wiser woman offers advice and the leading man offers to pay the rent. The Musical of Musicals (The Musical!) presents five variations on this plot in the style of some of Broadway's best known musical theatre writers - Rodgers and Hammerstein (Corn), Stephen Sondheim (A Little Complex), Jerry Herman (Dear Abby), Andrew Lloyd Webber (Aspects of Junita), and Kander and Ebb (Speakeasy). To say more would ruin the hilarity.
The actors in this production are to be applauded for their impressive ability to shift between musical genres. All easily take on the different characterizations attached to each composer and the accompanying vocal styles. Musical Director and Pianist Alex Bechtel is kept a part of the action - often adding narration and even joining the cast singing and dancing in the final number. Rebecca Robbins proves incredibly flexible as she channels characters a la Aunt Eller, Dolly, and Frau Schneider, and her vocal prowess never fails to impress. While she is always the ingénue underneath, Sarah Gilko certainly has skilled acting chops, clearly understanding the different characters she plays, from Laurie to Christine/Evita to Sally Bowles. Carl Clemons-Hopkins may be the hero who pays the rent, but his characters certainly have different ways of doing so. He is an incredibly versatile actor and his portrayals are all very distinct from one another. Also, his voice is beautiful and shows quite an impressive range. Craig Fols plays the villainous landlord who ranges from Judd Frye to Sweeney Todd to the Phantom to the Emcee. He has a great ability to transform his voice and body language, disappearing into the part. Fols, a member of the original New York Production, also directs this talented cast. It is clear that he has an understanding not just of the musicals being parodied, but also of the actors, directors, and productions that made these shows famous. Dax Valdes adds another level of parody in his choreography, especially that which draws on Agnes De Mille and Bob Fosse.
Robert Kramer's scene design appears simple at first--blue walls and a proscenium arch--but quickly becomes more impressive. The design uses light boxes with custom drilled holes of different diameters to spell out the titles of musicals being spoofed. Also, many wonderful pieces from staircases to chandeliers and everything in between are added and often serve to heighten the humor. The lighting design by Dominic Chacon is well done, greatly adding to the mood of the shows and managing to light the thrust stage without revealing too much of the audience. Sound Designer Christopher Colucci provides great instrumental showtune house music that had some audience members singing along. Finally, Mary Folino's costumes are beautifully fit and added another level of parody. While often in the first act she had to just add pieces to base costumes in order to save time, the act two costumes are more unique, involved and detailed.
Being a major musical theater fan definitely helps in catching all the references, but even those with a broad sense of the genre will be entertained. The writing by Eric Rockwell and JoAnne Bogart is incredibly clever, intelligent, and humorous. It is obvious that they know and love the subjects of their parody, but the best work is definitely the Sondheim style piece. The show is perfect for the intimate space of Walnut Street's Independence Studio. With its incredibly talented cast, hilarious writing and great tech, The Musical of Musicals (The Musical!) provides a lot of laughter and ultimately, a wonderful night at the theater.
Musical of Musicals (The Musical!) runs at the Walnut Street Theatre's Independence Studio on 3 now through June 27th. For more information please see the official press release.
