Lovers of musical theater are no doubt aware that “Forbidden Broadway: Special Victims Unit” is playing a short engagement at The Theatre in Old Town. A tradition since 1982, when it opened at Palsson’s Supper Club, the loving spoof of the Great White Way is a scream and a half, especially to those who follow Broadway, go to Broadway or attend touring Broadway shows at the Civic Theatre.
However, it is not necessary to be well versed because if one doesn’t get each character at first sight, there are words that make it obvious.
For instance, if it’s not obvious immediately that the kid with the cigarette, curly red hair and cartoon red dress is Annie, she tells you she’s 30 now. The show’s set-up is a takeoff on television’s “Magnum, P.I” with Jerry Orbach hired to investigate the orphan’s death. The lyrics offer such unforgettable rhymes as “Camelot” with “Spamalot” and glossy with (Bob) Fosse.
Local theatergoers will especially enjoy the send-ups of Broadway-bound shows that opened at the Old Globe and La Jolla Playhouse. The intro to “Chita Rivera: A Dancer’s Life” goes: “Chita, back on Broadway and telling stories in an odd way.” The two “Forbidden Broadway” women ” Jeanne Montano and Valerie Fagan ” duke it out as Chita Rivera and Rita Moreno. Moreno stole the role of Anita in the film of “West Side Story” from Rivera, who had played it on Broadway.
“Jersey Boys” is assailed as well, with Montano providing a hysterically funny, bang-on Frankie Valli. This viewer’s favorite bits are Jared Bradshaw’s Phantom, who sings “God, It’s High” to the tune of “Bring Him Home” and the ensemble’s “Les Miz” section finale, “One Tour More” with an excellent send-up of the original staging.
Robust of voice and precise in parody Kevin B. McGlynn spoofs a drunken, aging matinee idol, Robert Goulet. Personality aficionados recognize and delight in Ethel Merman and Maurice Chevalier, among many others.
Musicians will find delicious glee in the company of “Light in the Piazza” (“the most pretentious show on Broadway”) trying to learn composer Adam Guettel’s odd intervals. Among additional lambasted shows are “The Lion King,” “Hairspray,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Wicked” and “Mamma Mia.”
At the end of the fast moving, quick-change, wondrously wigged evening one marvels that there are only four singers/actors. Their style, range and vocalism are awesome and they receive exceptional support from music director/pianist David Caldwell.
“Forbidden Broadway: Special Victims Unit” has been extended one week, through June 11, at the Theater in Old Town, 4044 Twiggs Ave. Tickets range from $31-$43. Curtain at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. Saturday, with additional matinees at 2 p.m. Wednesday and 3 p.m. Sunday.
For tickets and information, visit www.theatreinoldtown.com or call (619) 688-2494.
