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Regional Reviews: Phoenix Forbidden Broadway: The Next Generation Also see Gil's reviews of Bob & Jean: A Love Story and Firebringer
The musical delivers a series of fast-paced sketches, songs and skits that poke fun at the most beloved, as well as the sometimes criticized, elements of Broadway musicals. From lampooning the latest hit shows to poking fun at the eccentricities of Broadway personalities, it doesn't hold back. The talented cast perform spot-on impressions of iconic Broadway stars like Ethel Merman, Bernadette Peters, Liza Minnelli, and Carol Channing, while also skewering classic shows such as Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, and The Lion King, and contemporary Broadway hits including Dear Evan Hansen. Through its rapid-fire humor, the show presents an affectionate yet cheeky love letter to the Broadway stage. While it helps to be familiar with the shows being parodied, anyone with some knowledge of musical theatre and the shows that are spoofed with find a great deal of enjoyment in this very accessible show. Forbidden Broadway: The Next Generation continues the legacy of Gerard Alessandrini, the mastermind behind the Forbidden Broadway series. Known for his witty lyrics and brilliant musical parodies, Alessandrini's work shines here in parodies that tackle themes of celebrity culture, theatre trends, and the overly dramatic performances of Broadway stars. All are explored with biting satire and infectious humor but also with a lot of love. Alessandrini was also behind the love letter parody to Hamilton, Spamilton, which played The Phoenix Theatre Company several years back. While this version is titled The Next Generation, it varies from the show of the same name that played in New York in 2019. That production also skewered recent shows of that time, such as Tootsie and Hadestown, where for the Phoenix production many of the series' greatest hits have been included instead. That's a wise decision since some of those shows that were poked fun at in the 2019 production aren't as familiar as the ones included here. Alessandrini has also made a few updates to the material, including tweaking the lyrics in the fun opening number about how the show has come to Phoenix, as well as including a few mentions in the Bernadette Peters number on how she's back on Broadway this season in the Stephen Sondheim revue, Old Friends. There is also a shout out to the recent film version of Wicked in the superb "Age Defying Gravity" number that takes a jab at Idina Menzel. In addition to Alessandrini's hilarious material, the cast is undeniably the heart of any Forbidden Broadway production. Breona Conrad, Rachel Policar, William Selby, and Seth Tucker bring a unique energy and precision to their impersonations, nailing the distinctive voices, mannerisms, and quirks of Broadway's biggest stars or the traits of the familiar musical theatre characters they depict. Their comedic timing and strong vocal performances elevate the musical numbers, whether they're delivering an uproarious parody of a show's most famous song or taking on a beloved Broadway diva with hysterical accuracy. The chemistry among the cast is strong, which adds a layer of playful camaraderie to the overall experience. Some highlights include Tucker's spot on impersonation of the three Emcees in the various Broadway productions of Cabaret, Joel Grey, Alan Cumming, and Eddie Redmayne, as well as a wonderful take on Ben Platt in "Dear Evan Has Been." Conrad shines bright with hilarious parodies of Carol Channing, Liza Minnelli, and Ethel Merman, and Policar's spoof of Bernadette Peters, Elsa from Frozen, and Bebe Neuwirth in Chicago are excellent. Selby has performed in and directed numerous Forbidden Broadway productions over the past 40 years and while his singing voice may not be as strong as his fellow castmates, he makes up for it with his infectious energy. There are also wonderful lampoons of Chicago, Jersey Boys, and The Book of Mormon, but it's perhaps the excellent medley of songs from Les Misérables that hilariously pokes fun at the songs, the characters, and even the infamous turntable it its original production, where Alessandrini and this cast shine the brightest. Selby's direction is as sharp and playful as the material itself. With smart, fast-paced costume changes and creative staging, the show never loses momentum. The design elements are simple yet effective, allowing the performers to shine while keeping the focus on the humor and music. The quick costume changes, clever props, and dynamic use of lighting keep the energy high and the laughs coming. Steve Hilderbrand's music direction and piano accompaniment are wonderful throughout. Forbidden Broadway: The Next Generation at The Phoenix Theatre Company is a delightful and clever celebration of all things Broadway. With its sharp wit, hilarious parodies, and talented cast, theatre lovers who appreciate the humor, heart, and occasional absurdity that comes with the world of musical theatre will find much to love. Forbidden Broadway: The Next Generation runs through June 22, 2025, at The Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N Central Avenue, Phoenix AZ. For tickets and information, please visit phoenixtheatre.com or call 602-254-2151. Created, written, and originally directed by Gerard Alessandrini Cast: |
