THE PLAY: A theatre company can’t seem to best the plays being written by their chief competitor: Shakespeare. After visiting a soothsayer, the brother-owners decide to produce the world’s first musical.

 

THE PRODUCTION: Although this is set in the Renaissance, there’s a modern sensibility that allows for lots of satirical commentary and clever comedy. It’s also enjoyable trying to suss out the references to contemporary classics, especially in the show-stopping highlight “A Musical.” There are several big numbers and (in another contemporary take on tradition) the 5-piece orchestra sounds great! While there’s no standout in the cast, everyone is uniformly solid and full of boundless energy. The bounty of clever directorial touches adds lots of levity. I’m sure a lot of the lyrics are funny, but the bad sound curse of the Altria makes it hard to follow some of the songs. The Tudor themed set serves well and the embellished period costumes add a humorous touch. Running time: 2:30

 

THE POINT: This cleverly-written, delightfully-staged musical offers an original concept that’s fun and fresh.

 

(4.5 / 5)

 

A Broadway in Richmond production at the Altria Theatre thru 5/19