Finally, here's a show that can entice your theater-loving and Broadway-hating friends alike. And if the "Special Victims Unit" part reminds you of "Law and Order," there's a reason for that.
The production parodies that hit television show in addition to dozens of popular Broadway favorites. "Forbidden Broadway," a concept created by Gerard Alessandrini in 1982, isn't new, but the selection of musicals parodied each season stays current. This year's special victims include "SPAMALOT," "The Lion King," "Les Mis?©rables," "The Producers," "Hairspray," and many more.
As a revue, "Forbidden Broadway: SVU" is a medley of songs satirizing various Broadway shows. Four actors accompany clever versions of well-known songs with entertaining stage antics. If you're expecting a unifying plot and set, you might be disappointed by the bare stage with a microphone at the front, a live pianist off to the side and a flashy Vegas-style curtain as a backdrop.
However, this play doesn't suffer too much from its lack of tradition. In fact, this revue thrives on unorthodoxy. The twists on the classic Broadway numbers are highly creative and amusing. Of course, sexual innuendos also add to the laughs.
Four very talented, versatile actors do an incredible job of playing the
strikingly different characters from each show, embracing each part with energy and humor. On-stage pianist Catherine Stornetta is a nice touch and contributes her own tiny interactive role.
The show starts off with a bang as a thirty-year-old Annie, played by Valerie Fagan, gets gunned down along with her little dog, too. "Law and Order" alumnus Jerry Orbach of the original series (played by Kevin B. McGlynn), and B.D. Wong of "SVU" (played by Nick Verina) arrive to investigate the murder on Broadway. This beginning seems like a promising opening for a storyline, but unfortunately, it's only a really entertaining first skit.
Even if you don't frequent the theater, basic knowledge of movie adaptations is sufficient to appreciate the "Chicago," "Little Shop of Horrors," "RENT" and "West Side Story" parodies. If you've ever seen "Sesame Street," then you'll recognize the puppets used in the "Avenue Q" satire. This performance even adds some local flavor with a stab at the American Repertory Theatre in Harvard Square.
Before the show and during intermission, comical mock-Broadway posters saying clever things like "Gagtime" and "Wickeder" hang above the stage. These creative designs don't carry over to the set during the show, except for the "Forbidden Broadway" sign.
But Broadway fans and foes will find that the show isn't flawless. Whether the problem is due to the theater or the actors, the overall sound is a little too loud and shrill, especially from cast member Janet Dickinson. Nonetheless, the small cast has big (or maybe just lots of) shoes to fill; all four actors do have impressive singing voices adapted well to each character, particularly Verina, who has an especially deep, rich voice along with a good falsetto.
The ending isn't too smooth, since wrapping up and tying together the little independent acts isn't easy. This performance is surprisingly short, about an hour and a half, not including intermission. If you can get student rush tickets, this show is a good deal for people who can't stand sitting through three-hour-long plays.
If you're expecting a great deal of depth and gravity, then perhaps this show is not for you. If you're looking to poke fun at pop culture and serious theatre, then "Forbidden Broadway: SVU" is sure keep you laughing.
