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    Theatre Review: CATCO’s Forbidden Broadway Greatest Hits: Vol. 1

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    Tonight marks the opening not only of Forbidden Broadway Greatest Hits: Vol. 1 at CATCO, but their 2013-2014 season as well. With a show as entertaining as this, CATCO is certainly ready for an entertaining season.

    Conceived by Gerard Alessandrini, Forbidden Broadway is a satirical, cabaret-style revue that began in the early 1980s. Constantly evolving, the show coursed over two decades parodying Broadway musicals, actors, directors, composers, and choreographers. Throughout its long history, the forbidden crew tackled the obvious (Andrew Lloyd Webber and Wicked) as well as more obscure gems and pebbles of the Great White Way. CATCO’s production, which contains the greatest hits, combines parodies from only the most famous and funniest of moments and shows.

    The decision to hold the performance in the cabaret venue of Studio Three at the Vern Riffe seems like a wonderfully effective choice. Given that the show began in New York City clubs, it feels like an appropriate tribute to the production’s origins. The intimate space allows the energy of the four person ensemble to permeate throughout the house.

    Director Joe Bishara nicely handles the group, which includes himself; choreographers Liz Wheeler and Dionysia Williams; and Christopher Storer. Wheeler and Williams’ pointed staging add that extra punch, particularly in the Les Miserables medley and “Glossy Fosse.” The ladies both stand out slightly compared to Bishara and Storer. Perhaps this occurs because they receive much more stage time than both, but especially Storer, who feels kind of forgotten at the beginning of the second act. The women’s powerful versatility makes the audience wish that their impressions lasted just a moment longer. Highlights include Wheeler’s Ethel Merman, Barbara Streisand, and Elphaba, as well as Williams’ Carol Channing, Liza Minnelli, and Eponine. As to the men, while both do well, it feels as though we see much more Bishara than Storer, which makes for an odd combination for a mostly ensemble piece.

    As always, a special applause to music director Matt Clemens, whose passionate on-stage piano playing and audience/actor engagement create the pace for the evening, completing the cabaret feel. Keya Myers-Alkire adds snippets of sound throughout which proves quite useful in the humor. Curtis Brown’s varied lighting frequently shifts the feel. On the final preview, the transitions between the numbers felt a little long, due to a predictable near black out and lag in music. It seems like a missed opportunity to seamlessly carry the audience into the next tune. Naturally, the transitions will feel shorter throughout the run as the cast grows further comfortable with Marcia Hain’s comprehensive and creative costumes. As a whole though, CATCO crafts a quality show here.

    Now that summer has officially begun, it seems like the perfect time to stray from the usual and journey on a theatrical vacation. In all honesty, it probably helps to possess a passing knowledge of musical theater; however, most jokes stem from such collective culture that even non-theater-junkies are sure to enjoy. A tribute to that is Storer’s fitting rendition of Les Miserables’ “Bring Him Home” decked out in Wolverine claws.

    Due to popular demand, CATCO just announced an extension of the show thru July 14, but don’t let that delay your ticket purchase. Visit the Vern Riffe Center soon for a good laugh.

    Forbidden Broadway Greatest Hits: Vol. 1 plays thru July 14 at Studio Three in the Vern Riffe Center, 77 S. High Street. General Admission is $35.00.

    More information can be found online at www.catco.org.

    Photos via CATCO.

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    Lisa Much
    Lisa Much
    Lisa Much is a recent transplant to Columbus as of June. She comes from Chicago having freelanced as a stage manager and prop designer. She holds a BA in Sustainable Theater from Green Mountain College in Vermont.
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