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Musicals of Musicals: The Musical!
Music by Eric Rockwell
Lyrics by Joanne Bogart
Book by Eric Rockwell & Joanne Bogart
Directed by Robin M. Hughes
At Metropolis Performing Arts Center
111 Campbell
Arlington Heights, IL
Call 847-577-2121, tickets $22 - $42
Thursdays at 7:30 pm
Fridays at 9 pm
Saturdays at 7 pm
Sundays at 3 pm
Running time is 95 minutes with intermission
Through June 21, 2008
Satirical take on Broadway musicals is a hoot!
Metropolis Performing Arts Center has a funny, energetic revue of classic Broadway musicals now playing. This non-Equity cast mostly delivers their numbers with panache. They nicely over play the material for effect. Genius comes in many forms and veteran musical theater actors Joanne Bogart and Eric Rockwell have written a most compelling parody of five Broadway composers. Their show, “The Musical of Musicals:The Musical” spoofs Rodgers & Hammerstein, Stephen Sondheim, Jerry Herman, Andrew Lloyd Webber and John Kander & Fred Ebb in a five scene musical tribute. The clever show has songs that easily remind us of the songs and shows from each composer. From “Oh, What Beautiful Corn,” (obvious reference), we both admire and laugh the cute parody of the legendary composers. All the greats get their due in a smartly slick, fast moving show rich in terrific performances the five performers.
Micky York, the pianist and narrator sets the tone with his winning charm. His stellar piano accompaniment underscores the show. Tom Weber is the leading man while Kent Lundsberg Joseph covers the villains and Carrie Wicket plays the divas and mature women leaving Katie Siri to be the ingénue and younger starlet. This cast mostly lands their songs, especially Katie Siri with her booming voice. Tom Weber can dance while Kent Lundsberg Joseph’s deep voice lands his numbers nicely while Micky York leads the way on piano keeping the show flowing. Broadway musical lovers will rejoice in this gentle parody that never offends but gently spooks the genius of the Broadway composers. If you tune in to the lyrics, you’ll hear references to many musicals, show tunes and styles as well as knocks on Broadway divas and over-the-top characters. This tuneful and entertaining show is so clever that it needs to be seen more than once simply to experience all the references, pokes and jabs. “The Musical of Musicals: The Musical” contains witty lyrics that convey strong references to the shows of the great Broadway composers and lyricists. Metropolis’ production was worthy of the material. It is a light hearted fun show.
Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2008
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