Forbidden Broadway

As a Broadway enthusiast, I was thrilled to finally catch my first-ever Forbidden Broadway show, and let me tell you, Merrily We Stole a Song did not disappoint! This satirical revue had me digging deep into my old Broadway trivia trove, as it pulled some hilariously dated yet spot-on references that had me in stitches.

From the moment the curtain rose, I was overwhelmed by the sheer talent on stage. The cast of five was nothing short of exceptional, with four of them showcasing an uncanny ability to impersonate multiple Broadway stars. Their transformations into various theater luminaries were truly impressive, capturing the essence of each performer with remarkable accuracy.

The show's ability to stay current was impressive. They managed to parody Cynthia Erivo's Elphaba and Audra McDonald's Gypsy before their official debuts, which was a real treat for us theater nerds. Speaking of which, the Audra McDonald bit was hands-down my favorite part of the evening – it had me in tears!

Gerard Alessandrini's sharp wit was on full display as the revue took aim at recent Broadway hits and misses. From Hell's Kitchen to Stereophonic, The Outsiders to The Great Gatsby, no show was safe from their clever jabs. Even Back to the Future and The Wiz got their fair share of ribbing. The sendups of Broadway darlings like Roger Bart, Daniel Radcliffe, Ariana DeBose, and Jeremy Jordan were spot-on and had the audience in stitches.

One of the highlights was their take on the 2024 Tony Awards®, which perfectly captured the essence of the ceremony while playfully poking fun at its quirks. The inclusion of selections from "Forbidden Sondheim" was a delightful nod to the legendary composer and lyricist.

The pacing of the show was relentless, with pointed parodies flying at a dizzying speed. It's a testament to the cast's talent that they could switch characters and musical styles so seamlessly. Their ability to mimic the mannerisms and vocal quirks of Broadway's biggest stars was truly impressive.

While I thoroughly enjoyed the show, I must admit I was a bit disappointed that there were no playbills available yet, as this was an early preview. As a memorabilia collector, I always look forward to adding a new playbill to my collection, so this was a minor letdown in an otherwise fantastic evening.

Nevertheless, Forbidden Broadway: Merrily We Stole a Song is a must-see for both seasoned theatergoers and Broadway newbies alike. It offers a fresh, hilarious take on the shows and stars we love, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for the Great White Way – and a serious case of the giggles. This Tony Award®-winning revue proves that, even after 40 years, there's still plenty of material to mine from the world of musical theater.