Where can you see Carol Channing, Barbara Streisand, and all the hysterical idiosyncrasies of Broadway on one stage? That would be Musical Theatre West’s production of “Forbidden Broadway: Greatest Hits, Volume 2,” which opened last weekend at The Carpenter Performing Arts Center.
Back by popular demand, this new production of the long-running off-Broadway series has returned for another show filled with laughs and jabs at all the wonders of The Great White Way. This production features parodies from classic musicals such as “The Sound of Music,” “West Side Story” and “Beauty and the Beast.” It is also filled with new surprises, like a parody of the new production of “Evita,” featuring Ricky Martin.
The production is played out on an empty stage that holds only the piano and silver fringe curtains. Cartoon drawings and lights frame the simple set. Also on the stage is a “Forbidden Broadway” sign that keeps audience members aware that they are watching a show. During many instances, the characters speak directly to the audience while singing a parody of their misfortunes. The show also features interactive scenes, like a sing-a-long portion during the scene about Stephan Sondheim.
This show is presented in a cabaret revue style that features four principal performers. The cast is comprised of Susanne Blakeslee, David Engel, Valerie Fagan and Larry Raben, who gracefully run this marathon of a show.
Even through all of the quick changes, dancing and hitting of high E notes, every member of the cast keeps the energy up and filled the room with laughter.
The many spot-on impersonations done by Blakeslee throughout the show are the most notable comedic moments. Her Carol Channing and Julie Andrews as Maria Von Trapp impersonations are vocally and visually perfect. She impressively replicates the voices of these iconic actresses to a tee.
Every scene includes a new song that parodies a Broadway musical, star or trend. In order to portray each character, the performers wear hilarious new costumes. The costumes are complete with wigs, ball gowns, complex makeup and, even at one point, Engel in full drag for a “La Cage aux Folles” scene. These quick changes enhance the show’s hilarity since they replicate the originals so well and set the mood for each new parody.
Director William Selby also incorporates some funny blocking enhancements as well. The scene that spoofs “Les Miserables” features the performers tripping and flying off on an invisible turntable. In the scene that parodies “Wicked,” Fagan spoofs the character Elphaba’s infamous flight while “Defying Gravity” by simply standing on a crate.
One especially funny and surprising scene involves the musical director and on-stage pianist, Matthew Smedal. After a few moments of dealing with mean auditioners, he bursts out into a musical lament that cries, “I’m sick of playing their songs.”
The entire show is filled with hilarious moments that many theatre performers or lovers could relate to. Such issues are addressed, such as the high prices of tickets, hitting high notes and performing in a production of “Cats.”
“Forbidden Broadway: Greatest Hits, Volume 2” will run until April 29 at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center. Performances start at 8 p.m. with matinee performances on April 15, 21, 22 and 29. There is a 7 p.m. performance on April 22. Tickets range from $17 to $85. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit musical.org.
