Forbidden Broadway

Describing Hobart Repertory Theatre Society’s latest musical Forbidden Broadway as “gut-bustingly funny” is not an over-stated claim. Knowledge of musicals is useful for the audience, and a sharp ear and eye helps to relate to the references to musicals in the spoofed songs. Created and written by Gerard Alessandrini, Forbidden Broadway takes a poke at the blockbuster musicals that have made it on Broadway then taken on the world. This cleverly written musical is an insider’s observation of and tribute to the musical theatre industry.

Director and choreographer Cassie Xintavelonis was up to the task of managing twenty one cast members through twenty three segments, with thirty or more song and dance routines, from at least seventeen musicals, in a fast medley of numbers! Costumes were superb, and changed often - well done to the backstage crew! The expertise of the production team, stage manager David Clements and costume co-ordinator Karen Fahey was the hidden secret, and contributed to the success of the show. 

Musical Director Andrew Morrisby, on stage with a piano, competently led the pace throughout.

Ensemble and solo work in this production was terrific and humour and understanding of the material was important. The Sondheim segment, “Into the Words” (Into the Woods) was an excellent vehicle for Andrew Hickman to show his superb voice and diction. In The Phantom and Ethel segment, the dilemma of projection versus technology was hilariously highlighted by Andrew Hickman and Chelle Burtt as Ethel Merman. The Carol Channing segment, with Anna Kidd as Channing and dancing boys Jeremy Pyefinch and Campbell Braithwaite was riotously well-timed. Kristian Byrne showed the pain of singers when singing beyond their range in “It’s Too High” (Bring Him Home, from Les Mis). Jaime Mollineaux-Herbert as the ventriloquist dummy and Andrew Hickman as the puppeteer were clever and fast in the Chicago “Both Reached for the Gun” routine.

This fast-paced parody of popular musicals is a delicious romp, showcasing theatrical and musical skills - even a technical hitch like a failed follow-spot highlighted the performer’s craft when overcoming onstage problems. A terrific show, one to giggle over days after the performance, or go and see it again!

Merlene Abbott 

Photographer: Wayne Wagg