THE PLAY: This is a musical revue featuring the songbook of Tom Lehrer, who wrote satirical songs from 1953-65.

 

THE PRODUCTION: Any show about Lehrer has to showcase the words and, even though director Tom Width has added some enjoyable staging, he lets the songs carry the show. Fortunately, he’s cast 4 actors who can sell ’em (with a welcome cameo by Musical Director Paul Deiss). Some of the lyrics can be a bit controversial, but I prefer to think of them as extremely clever and mildly outrageous. Younger theatregoers might miss some of the older cultural references, but they’ll still find plenty to amuse. It’s almost exhausting to stay focused to keep from missing the jokes, but the quartet makes it entertaining and fun (Debra Wagoner’s comic charms stand out, especially in “Oedipus Rex”). Width’s set provides a colorful background, which is augmented by Deiss’s solid on-stage band. Running time: 1:45

 

THE POINT: A non-stop cavalcade of hilarious songs presented with vocal skill and plenty of humor.

 

(4.5 / 5)

 

At Swift Creek Mill Theatre thru 8/18

 

Click here to watch my interview about the show with Tom Width