After 25 successful years, the 2006 Tony Award winning
”
Forbidden Broadway
”
is considered New York’s longest running musical comedy review
that takes satire to another level. Spoofing just about every show
current and past on Broadway,
”
Forbidden Broadway
”
delivers a bumpy ride for the musical comedy lover.
After 25 successful years, the 2006 Tony Award winning “Forbidden Broadway” is considered New York’s longest running musical comedy review that takes satire to another level. Spoofing just about every show current and past on Broadway, “Forbidden Broadway” delivers a bumpy ride for the musical comedy lover. The clever lyrics of Gerard Alessandrini bite the bullet and present an informal and entertaining look at the history of the American musical theatre, lampooning and satirizing some current and contemporary musicals, as well as targeting actors, directors composers and writers.
In 1982, Alessandrini was looking to showcase his talents. He put together a nightclub act with some of the parodies of Broadway shows he had written and – as they say – the rest is history. The show caught on and has won many awards. Many companies of different versions of “Forbidden Broadway” have traveled worldwide, including to London, Singapore and Japan.
This production has an energetic cast of four that covers the vast landscape of Broadway theatre with quick changes and caricature moves that are sometimes right on mark.
They pleasantly sing and dance their way through the production with an individual “this is fun” attitude that creates a lack of chemistry with each other. The second act comes across with a more bonding approach and gives a smoother continuity to the program.
Catherine Stornetta handles the accompaniment on the piano with excellent timing and strong backup. She is the glue that holds the presentation together. Considering she has performed with different “Forbidden Broadway” groups in past years in the United States, London, Japan and Singapore, she has the score down pat and delivers with a sureness that leaves no doubt of who is in charge.
“Annie”, “Marry Poppins”, “Phantom”, “Les Miz”, “Chicago”, “Jersey Boys”, “Wicked”, “Avenue Q”, “Liza”, Ethel Merman and Carol Channing are just a few of the shows and characters you will meet. It helps if you are a musical comedy aficionado to get “it.”
***
‘Forbidden Broadway’
Where: San Jose Repertory Theatre, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose
Through: July 12
Tickets: $40 – $60
Details: (408) 367-7255 or visit www.sjrep.com
