By Jessica Kennedy.
If you are willing to play Russian roulette with your theater experiences, then you might just want to check out Forbidden Broadway, performing from June 5th- 22th at The Gateway Playhouse in Bellport Village. You may be entertained, offended, or both- no matter the outcome, this raucous night of theater, directed brilliantly by Gerard Alessandrini, will certainly have you talking!
This show is not like many others in terms of its format; rather than follow a discernible plotline with consistent characters, this show is a medley of musical performances which, although seemingly unrelated, are woven together to create a scathing and scandalous commentary on Broadway, its productions, and its major players. From “America’s Favorite Orphan,” featuring a washed up, cigarette toking Annie in her original iconic red dress begging for a revival, to Mary Poppins reviewing her own Broadway show as “stupid, careless, fictional, nonsensical verboseness” (sung to the tune of “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” of course), you will find that many major shows- classic and contemporary- feel the sting of their famous songs, characters, and production choices hyperbolized and ridiculed. Although it was hard for me to watch the cast mock the beloved Julie Andrews, the Cats parody was outright hysterical (because as the cast says, nobody likes Cats). As long as you can stomach this show butchering one of your most precious Broadway memories- and believe me, it will- you will be able to find the humor in this deliberately sardonic spectacle of a show!
Although the content of this quirky performance may not be to everyone’s taste, the production of it is indisputably excellent! The cast of four will blow you away with their outstanding vocal range, perfect impressions, and stellar comedic timing. The cast works seamlessly together, and build off one another to heighten the effect of their satirical bits. This is seen best in the Les Miserable Segment- the audience’s ripples of laughter can attest to that! Mia Gentile’s rendition of Frozen (“Let it Blow”) was simply gorgeous, while at the same time hilarious. While Bill Coyne’s effortless jabs at Hugh Jackman are one of the more contemporary references added to the lineup, the show also targets classics, such as Chicago– and Keri Safran kills it! Chris Collins-Pisano’s additions are also side-splitting- his parody of Cameron Macintosh as a shifty “merch” hustler is laugh out loud ludicrous. Add to that impressive costumes by Tony Award winning Original Costume Designer Alvin Colt, and you are in for a night of gasps and guffaws!
Just one note to the less seasoned theatergoer: If you have not seen many of the shows targeted for laughs, you may find yourself a bit out of the loop for some of the numbers. While still a fun time for all, missing the jabs and jokes are half the fun of this performance! So rewatch a few of your favorites, and (if you are feeling brave) come watch them stretched, distorted, and ultimately celebrated in this unapologetic and goofy spoof on all things Broadway!