For the week of August 27 - September 2, 2003

Forbidden no longer:

Spoofing Broadway shows

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By DANA DUGAN
Express Staff Writer

Madcap, wacky, satirical and over the top, "Forbidden Broadway" debuted at Palsson’s Supper Club on West 72nd Street in New York City in 1982.

Since then it has become legitimate and moved downtown to the very heart of the street it spoofs, Broadway.

Created by Gerard Alessandrini, who like many young aspiring thespians, wanted a showcase for his talents. A Broadway devotee since his childhood, he developed a musical parody of well-known musicals and then turned it into a nightclub act.

Praise came from every corner. The show netted rave reviews and numerous awards including the Drama Desk, Obie and Outer Critics Circle.

The current national tour is making a stop at the Liberty Theatre in Hailey, Friday, Aug. 29 through Sunday, Aug. 31 at 8 p.m. with a matinee on Aug. 31 at 3 p.m.

Included are spoofs of popular shows currently running on Broadway including "The Producers," "Oklahoma!" "Mamma Mia!," "Elaine Stritch," "Bea Arthur," "The Full Monty," "Cabaret" and "Chicago." Chew on this revisionary line: an actor, as Liza Minnelli trills, "I’m getting married in the morning, Ding-dong, I hope this one is straight!"

Now, you see. Skewing is good for the soul, and the stars themselves pilgrimage to see themselves as the butt of Alessandrini’s jokes.

"Forbidden Broadway" has had several editions, countless revisions, three New York City performance spaces, thousands of special performances and several national and international tours.

Audiences can expect updates reflecting the season’s new show as time passes: Alessandrini continuously updates "Forbidden Broadway" and so the show is never exactly the same each time you see it. A cast of four, in roughly 90 minutes and 90 costumes does all this drubbing. Two of the cast members are from the original company.

Tickets are $40, $35 and $25 for reserved seating and are on sale now. Tickets are available at Company of Fools’ box office, which is located at 409 North Main St. in Hailey, above the Roark Law Firm. The hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Charge tickets by phone during box office hours at 208-578-9122.

 

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