The Stage

Forbidden Broadway

Published Friday 3 July 2009 at 11:05 by Lisa Martland

Unlike the big budget West End shows this legendary satirical musical revue so cleverly lampoons, the formula behind Forbidden Broadway is four performers and a piano, a great conveyor belt of inspired props and costumes and, last but not least, some very witty writing. Nothing could be more refreshing.

During the last 27 years no Broadway season has seemed complete without Forbidden Broadway chronicling and parodying the latest theatre offerings. In contrast, ten years have passed since the revue visited these shores, but fortunately time has not mellowed creator/writer Gerard Alessandrini and his longtime collaborator, director and choreographer Phillip George.

No show or musical personality is safe from their original and wicked sense of humour, whether it be a vertically challenged Elaine Paige or a revival-obsessed Stephen Sondheim, internet surfers preoccupied with theatre gossip or corporate producers accused of letting the ‘product’ rule.

Alongside musical director Joel Fram, who appears to enjoy every moment at the piano, Sophie-Louise Dann (a member of the show’s London cast back in 1999), Anna-Jane Casey, Alasdair Harvey and Steven Kynman consistently impress with their outstanding vocals and quick comic timing. Dann is particularly memorable as a whole host of characters, real and fictional. Even the Menier itself is not safe as she portrays actress Hannah Waddingham in the theatre’s own production of A Little Night Music, singing Send in the Crowds, a reference to the show’s West End transfer and earlier than hoped closure.

The more you know about the ins and outs of musical theatre, the more enjoyable Forbidden Broadway and all its in-jokes will be. But I would defy fans of Les Miserables, Hairspray, Wicked, etc, not to laugh too at what is at heart an affectionate spoof. Unless, of course, they are the kind of fans who take themselves or musicals too seriously.