Musical the Musical!

"Whether you can't stand musicals or you can't get enough of them, you'll love Musical the Musical!" -Benjamin Franklin

WATCH THE TRAILER!!!

PIONEER PRESS REVIEW!!!!
The self-referential musical parodying the form is hardly an original creation, recent iterations run the spectrum from "Urinetown" to "Spamalot" to"[title of show]." But none of these can match"Musical the Musical!" for lacerating the traditional boy-meets-girl story with breathtaking vulgarity. If you blanch at rough-edged references to sex, drugs and the odd fascist joke, you probably ought to stay away. But if you like your musical comedy served up with an acidy bite, you'll be willing to overlook the whoops-we're-out-of-time ending for this crass, knowing tuner that mocks everything from "Chicago" to "La Cage aux Folles."

Dominic P. Papatola (Pioneer Press)

About the Show
Urban Samurai Productions is absurdly proud to present the greatest moment in the history of the universe, Musical the Musical! Lauren a naive, trusting, innocent, naive, young, and also naive young woman has naively come to the big city to chase her dreams but love, or something like it, gets in her way in this hysterical and irreverent musical parody of musicals that will leave you humming, laughing, and talking to yourself while you aimlessly roam the streets rummaging through garbage cans.

Book: Doug Neithercott and Hannah Kuhlmann
Music: Todd Price and Justin Hartke

The cast

Aaron Christopher
Role: Producer
Aaron isn't sure how this all happened, all he knows is that one afternoon he woke up severely hungover, coughing up cigarette butts, with a fresh tattoo of Jay Leno on his deltoid, clutching in his right hand a stack of promo cards for Musical the Musical, and in his left hand a letter from the IRS approving 501 C3 Non-Profit status. As the fog began to lift he discovered that he was evidently the head of an independent theater company called Urban Samurai Productions. All Aaron could think though was that he actually prefers Conan over Leno.

Lisa Diesslin
Role: Costume Design
Lisa Diesslin has been involved in theatre longer than most of the cast has been alive. She has acted in or music directed over a hundred professional and community theatre productions in seven states. In the past few years, she has been roped into costuming because people found out she sews and has lots of really cool vintage shoes and jewelry. This is Lisa's second Fringe show - she appeared as the Swedish neighbor in Knocked Up and Hairy in 2007.

Matthew Greseth
Role: Director
What can I say? I love theatre, and am blessed to have a career that brings me a complete feeling of fulfillment. I am very proud to present to you Urban Samurai’s first musical. Thank you for coming, I hope you enjoy the play as much as I enjoyed directing it.

Ryan Grimes
Role: Starla
Ryan Grimes (Starla) is extremely unqualified to be in drag, and yet this is not his first time. Ryan played Nurse Hennessy in Dracula for one of two seasons on the Centennial Showboat, Sylvio in Artist in Trouble at the Varsity Theater, and the biggest queen of all, Emperor Joseph II in Amadeus for Starting Gate Productions. Ryan has also played his fair share of manly men for Urban Samurai, appearing in American Apathy and Protection Program, and worked with Matt Greseth on A Gaggle of Saints, for which he won an Outstanding Actor award from AACT.

Reid Harmsen
Role: Connor
Reid is excited to be making his debut with both the Fringe and Urban Samurai productions in this goofy little tale! A long time fan of musicals, some recent credits include A Christmas Carol with Troupe America, Disney’s High School Musical at the Children’s Theatre Company, and Theater Latté Da’s Gypsy. A Lover of board games, dive bars, and Chinese Food, you can usually find him stuffing his face at a buffet somewhere around town. Reid would like to give a shout out to his BFF Mz. Jackie.

Nate Hessburg
Role: Chorus
Nate Hessburg is pleased to once again defy his large frame and dance around like he is dainty. Also he gets to play a lesbian. He has decided that is one of the best parts he has yet played. He sends out a special thanks to his Mom and Dad for understanding that being a lesbian is just part of his job. He would also like everyone to know that he IS, in fact, a dainty, beautiful butterfly.

Shannon Kiley
Role: Stage Manager/Lighting Designer
Shannon Kiley, Really? Done and Done.

Dawn Krosnowski Malicsi
Role: Chorus
Dawn Krosnowski Malicsi enjoys long walks on the beach at sunset and hot fudge sundaes. Yes, she’s that white without makeup. No, she’s not a natural red-head. E.T. scared the dickens out of her as a child. To top it all off, she’s allergic to durian which is okay because it’s really, really stinky. She spends her weekends dressing up like various superheroes and rescues shopping carts from the grocery store.

Courtney Miner
Role: Marty
Courtney Miner (Mama Marty, chorus). This is Courtney's bio, in which she will write about herself in the third person. Go! While Courtney is really flipping excited to be in this show, she is not so excited to write this. Courtney has been seen most recently as Gloria in Summer of '42 at Minneapolis Musical Theatre. She has also played Little Sally in Urinetown (HTC), Hermia in A Midsummer Night's Dream (Pig's Eye), Tina Denmark in Ruthless! the Musical (Mounds), Gertrude McFuzz in Seussical (HTC), and Donna in Debbie Does Dallas the Musical (Fifty Foot Penguin). Musical the Musical gives Courtney a rare chance to play a character over the age of 18. Many thanks and ass slaps to her dirty and talented cast and crew. Urban Samurai is ASSOME.

Tamara Philbrick
Role: Chorus
Tamara Philbrick is thrilled to be performing in her first Fringe show, and grateful to finish just in time for the 2008 Olympics. A lover of yorkies, figure skating, and Khan's Mongolian BBQ, she hopes you enjoy our irreverent little parody.

Tim Reddy
Role: Chorus
Tim Reddy (Chorus) has just returned from 6 years of living with the native people of southern Peru, learning about their ancient language and delicate culture. Tim had been convinced that nothing more could happen to him in his life that would equal the profound experience of living with these peaceful people. Then Urban Samurai called and asked him to play a chorus member in Musical: The Musical. Tim’s mind was blown. Suddenly the Peruvian people meant nothing to him.

Kecia Rehkamp
Role: Lauren
Kecia is thrilled to be playing [the undoubtedly type cast] role of Lauren in this production with Urban Samaria. She graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Minnesota - Duluth and has been working here in the Twin Cities area for two years. Some of the productions Kecia has been involved in include Vagina Monologues, Into the Woods, Songs for a New World, and others you probably wouldn’t recognize. Kecia is also pleased as punch to be acting along side a life long friend of 13 years, Max Wojtanowicz, who has recently professed his secret and undying love for her. They plan on marrying in the Spring of 2009. Kecia also would like to give a shout out and thanks to all of her friends and family who support her when she tells them she’s doing a show with many “naughty words” that they probably wouldn’t approve of. Thanks so much for coming to support this amazing theatre company!!

Krystyn Spratt
Role: Rasheda
Krystyn Spratt, contrary to her character's upbringing, hails from the suburban city of Apple Valley. Graduate of Apple Valley High School and Minnesota state University, Mankato. She is thrilled to finally be cast in a show where she actually plays a black person rather than her other famous roles which include but are not limited to, The Wicked Witch in Wizard of Oz, Or the Evil Step Sister, Portia of Cinderella Or even The German whore Frau Kost Of Cabaret. This Three time KCACTF Finalist would like to thank the directors for this opportunities and her mother for always supporting her through out her career. God Bless - "In all thy ways acknowledge him and He shall direct your path"

Eric Svaleson
Role: Set Design
Eric Svaleson is currently finishing the last year of his MFA in scenic and lighting design at the UCLA. His recent designs include Wait Until Dark, Bury the Dead and a variety of original works including A Small Pair of Feet in the Middle of the Sea and Mukashi Mukashi. He has also worked as the technical director for UCLA’s New Play Festival and has been their resident scenic painter and TA for the last 2 years. He’d like to thank Matt, his sister Marcia, and the entire Urban Samurai company for the chance to work with them in their first Fringe Festival appearance.

Marcia Svaleson
Role: Choreography
Marcia Svaleson is a core member of Urban Samurai, and is delighted to be involved in a Fringe show for the first time. This is her first
choreographic endeavor in quite a while, and she was reminded how much
fun it is to make people do her bidding. She would like to thank the
cast and crew for humoring her insane ideas and incoherent rants. She
has danced with such companies as Cassandra Manning Ballet Theatre,
Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, and Pennsylvania Ballet. She
received her BA from Ambrose University in theatre, and has appeared
in such local performances as American Apathy, Diana Story, Closer,
Protection Program, and Grunt. Look for her and her fellow Samurai in
Touch, opening in September. She hopes you enjoy Urban Samurai's first
musical!

Amy Vickroy
Role: Chorus
Amy Vickroy (Chorus) is super excited to be in her first show in Minneapolis and couldn't be happier her first show is an Urban Samurai Production. She is also not so good at these things...so she's stopping now.

Katie WIller
Role: Assistant Director
Katie Willer (Assistant Director) was too busy to write her own bio, so she had it outsourced. Ms. Willer has recently joined Urban Samurai after a stint serving as Muffin Top Inspector at the State Fair. OD’ing on one too many fried-everything-on-a-stick, she’s now pursing her line-long ambition to become a pixie.

Max Wojtanowicz
Role: Chorus
Max Wojtanowicz is a 2006 St. Olaf grad and just finished his first year at The Children's Theatre Company where he met Doug Neithercott, who wrote this wacky skit. He has worked with a bunch of theaters around town and has loved working on M:tM with Urban Samurai -- especially because he finally got another chance to work with his crazy bestie Kecia, who he met as a wee one when they were both in the amazing technicolor children's chorus in St. Cloud in 1995. Max enjoys cart corrals, Alfred Hitchcock, peanut M&Ms and pretending he is really good at the guitar, which he most certainly is not. Next up: clowning around en francais in Madeline and the Gypsies at CTC!

John T. Zeiler
Role: Chorus
John T. Zeiler is the type of guy that will perform for the masses with a smile, and then seduce you with a grilled cheese sandwhich. He graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in 2006 with a BA in Dance and English. For the last year, he has been living the dream and performs all over the Twin Cities as a dancer, singer, actor, and Jockey Underwear model. If you want to stay up on his many adventures or upcoming shows, then become his friend on Facebook. Thank you Mooma and Dadoo for gracing him with the sense of humor he has today, and thank you Urban Samurai for molesting that sense of humor :-).

Showtimes

Thu., Jul. 31 @ 8:30 p.m.
Sun., Aug. 3 @ 5:30 p.m.
Mon., Aug. 4 @ 10:00 p.m.
Thu., Aug. 7 @ 10:00 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 9 @ 8:30 p.m.

Show details

Venue: U of M Rarig Center Proscenium

Duration: 60 minutes

For ages 16+

Written by Doug Neithercott

Website: http://www.urbansamuraipro.com/curre...

Genres: Musical theatre, Queer Content, Comedy

Warnings: Adult language, Sexual Content

Overall rating

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User reviews

funny but no depth
by Bryan Logan Follow this reviewer
Rating 2 kitties
I liked the fact that it spoofed musicals, but that was it. It would have been stronger if there had been more too it.

Still edible beyond its expiration date.
by Nick n Rosie Heille Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
A period piece of bawdy burlesque humor that while still edible is well past its perishable date. If an encore it is a stink bomb.

Hurrah! Something to offend everyone!
by Fringivitis Vulgaris Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This was a riot. The singing was great - it had to be, to successfully spoof the Big Musicals. The choreography was hilariously apt. I would actually enjoy seeing what they could make of this show if they had 2 hours and a big budget. Today, Rarig. Next year, Ordway!

Naughty fun
by Kristi Lawless Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This was a hilarious spoof performed by talented actors and singers. Definitely not "PC", but really really funny.

Deliciously done!
by Tanja Birke Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Laugh out loud funny, great performances by talented actors, an hour well spent. Obviously the writers have seen a LOT of musicals! I love politically incorrect entertainment. Can't say enough good things about this show.

If only I had seen it sooner!
by Melissa Beukema Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I could have told even more people to see it. I suspect it will be the encore choice for Sunday so if you haven't yet check it out.

Hilarious spoof with better than expected production quality. I wish the closing song had gone on, but I guess I have to suck it up.

Delightfully bawdy!
by Heather Baldwin Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
It takes a lot of skill to mock musicals, and yet produce an excellent musical. This show was fabulous, especially if you like naughty humor (which I do).

I was especially blown away by Kecia in the role of Lauren, whose singing was incredible. Krystyn, in the role of Rasheda, and Ryan, as Starla, were hilarious. I love it when actors don't take themselves too seriously, and they can just be outrageous. Reid, as Connor, was adorable (I have a weakness for geeky artsy guys like that) and his performance was excellent, too.

My two small criticisms: 1.)some of the lines were hard to hear, so I missed a couple of the jokes; and 2.) while the epilogue device at the end was funny, I was disappointed with Connor's apparent fate and Lauren's attitude about it. But Connor's reaction when hearing the news was priceless.

Overall, I give this show 4 1/2 kitties; I decided to round it up due to the strength of the actor's performances.

Fringey Fun
by Pamela Helms Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I so appreciated the equitable offense and display of stereotypes in this show. Everyone was treated with equal and often times shocking hilarity.

The show was a great facial work out, laughing, gasping, blusing, smiling and cringing. On numerous occassion I asked -Did I just really hear what I thought I heard?

I love musicals, yep, I do, I've said it. So of course I loved the singing and dancing - the cast was great and very talented.

Go see it, it's lots of fun.

four down one to go
by Jamie Kienitz Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I have seen this show Not once, not twice, but four times and I am going to see it again tonight. Yes I love it that much. The cast is Great. Kecia is funny! I love her facial expressions. Krystyn Spratt... I LOVE YOU. Pretty much she is simply the best!

Good work cast.

Sorry
by Ben Hernandez Follow this reviewer
Rating 1 kitty
I apologize for this negativity. But I guess I'm not open minded enough for this show. It's crude jokes really offended me. The holocaust joke really hit home with my Jewish culture. However, I still need to give one kitty, for the effort of the cast. There were some decent performances.

Darn good
by John Bungert Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Gosh darn it! This is a great show singing, dancing, satire, this show has it all. As a fan of stereotyping, this has all the wonderful extremes that I look for.What are you doing?! Don't pay attention to my horrible grammar and sentence structure. GO SEE THIS SHOW!!!!!!

Hot to Trot!
by Christopher Yaeger Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Rasheda Girl you got it Going On! You rocked the house. How you can walk, talk and sing in those shoes, ooohh weee! I really want an original cast recording! So I can suspend belief and sing and dance my way through the streets of the big city . Lauren and Conner "Same Song, Different Places" should be the new romantic theme song of our generation. Mind the Gap.... Great cast I want to sleep with you all! Well at least go on a date or take a shower....Sing On! I am so glad I caught your act!

Laughed my *ss off!
by John Heizer Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Hysterical dialog with fun, simple songs. Some of the funniest lines I've heard on stage since Avenue Q. Lauren, Rasheda, Connor and Starla were "spot on." The music was cute and fit the style of the show. Sets were very functional, and OMG the "door" to "The Girl Hole" is so WONDERFULLY tasteless. And what fun choreography! I wanna see it again!

Shock humor for shock's sake
by Allyson Daniels Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
This is an energetic production with a lot of talent in the cast. It's also a funny concept: a musical that makes fun of musicals. But that's as far as the show goes: An opener that makes fun of openers, a ballad that makes fun of ballads, and characters that make fun of your typical musical characters. The show left me waiting for more... I sat wanting it to get to the point past the running joke of how ridiculous musicals are to realize that the running joke *was* the point. I also found some of the voices a bit hard to hear over the music and the tunes didn't stick with me when I left the theatre which you kind of hope for with a musical. The other humorous parts of the show consisted of a lot of gay jokes, female anaomy jokes, black jokes and steryotypes and several other things that involve shock humor including a Holocaust line. I'm all for shock humor, but this didn't have much behind it but the idea of how silly musical portrayals of these things are. It was shock humor for the sake of shock humore. Over-all, it's a very funny concept with a ton of energy and quite a few laughs without much deeper thinking or message than the obvious. Go see it if you aren't easily offended and want a big laugh; It'll be enjoyable.

The musical for musical-haters
by Meghan Kiley Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Musical: The Musical is laugh-out-loud, can't breathe from laughing so hard, eye-waterin', stomach-hurtin', pants peein' fun! If you hate musicals, or theatre in general, and made fun of them your entire life; I would definitely recommend this show. This show says everything you have wanted to say about musicals but haven't had the guts to say it out loud. Urban Samurais' guts have spilled out onto the stage!

This show is well on its way to ending famine and war and bringing the world peace and harmony.

Go see this show - if you don't - I know kung fu!

Decent show
by Gus Rholl Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
Didn't love this show as much as I anticipated. I couldn't hear most of the singing. A few of the songs dragged on way too long. I enjoyed the show much more, when there wasn't a song happening. It's not a bad show...just not what I was hoping for.

come on now
by Crummy Reviewer Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
I know it's "just the fringe" but come on--this show isn't aiming that high and this is hardly worth the raves its received, unless you consider the hard working ensemble and the great leads (Reid Harmsen and Ryan Grimes are standouts).

The whole show seems like an annoying TV show (especially when Krystyn Spratt is on stage playing every stereotype in the book and they don't even give her an "And I'm Telling You..." number). And I really wanted to change the channel.

Very Nice!
by Denise Houg Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I loved it. I thought it was a nice escape to the everyday mundane things that TV and Movies are putting out these days. If all reality TV was like this show I don't think that anyone would want to turn the channel or leave their houses'. You never know what would happen next. Yes the stereotypes were there but they are everywhere in people's faces whether they choose to see them or not. With this show you cannot help to look. So I say throw it in my face everytime and I will love it everytime. Great work by all the members invovled. Way to do what you wnat to do!

Absolutely Fantabulous!
by Elizabeth Karges Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
There is nothing better than a self-aware musical, unless said self-aware musical is being performed by an extremely talented cast. Then it's awesome. This is easily one of the best shows I've seen so far.

Hilarious Musical Romp
by Sadie Rose Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I am still humming the opening song 24 hours later! Musical the Musical is raunchy, absolutely hilarious and completely infectious. I loved it! The clever writing, brilliant acting and comedic timing were all top notch. My only complaint is that it was not longer. Rock on Musical the Musical!!!

Just Plain Fun
by Kelly Zemnickis Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
I had such a good time at this show, it was a lot of fun. I could have used a dash more parody, and it did go a bit too far with some of their jokes... but overall I though they did a really great job taking a stab at how ridiculous musicals can be.

On a side note, I sat in the back row and almost cracked my head open on the bar that was behind me. So I'd recommend wrapping your jacket on that darn bar 'cause you will be laughing a lot.

Queer & Campy
by dixie treichel Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Oh so very queer.. in a campy sense...A dyke bar, a drag queen with male dancers & faery music. Parody and stereotypes abound. Well performed with some very fun moments. Music and lyrics really come together for some funolicious silliness.

A play that delivers The Shocker
by feesh ette Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
This show is a perfect fit for the Fringe. I was in love with the characters and the story, and cannot wait for a sequel. They were not afraid to deliver lines which would make your mother, grandmother, 2nd grade teacher, boss, and best friend blush.

It was really hard to hear some of the dialogue. Actors tended to turn heads directly to stage right/left, leaving the audience behind them straining to hear. Could use some microphones. Also, as was already mentioned, the actors don't pause for laughter, and lines were often lost. If you go see this play (and you SHOULD), sit front and center!

Same song-different show
by Blaine Edwards Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This show was my very first experience at the MN Fringe Festival and it was very fantastic! This show reminded me why musicals annoy me so much...and I LOVED it. The cast caricactured the cast of musicals perfectly. This show definitely needs more than one hour. The cast and the audience need the time to appreciate the humor and to laugh at the absurdity. Musical: the Musical is absolutely worth checking out!

Eh---
by Drewkowski Brent Follow this reviewer
Rating 2 kitties
I don't know. I think I had some BIG expectations, which obviously didn't come through.
:(
Still, it's better than one or no kitties.
:)

Very entertaining!
by Todd Hayen Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Outrageous characters mixed with raunchiness made this satire funny from beginning to end. I loved it.

Funny, caustic
by Kris Man About Fringe Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
Fun but somewhat forgetable for me. If you're in the mood for a silly musical then you'll likely enjoy but if you want something meatier or not too terribly edgy, it may not be the show for you.

Do it.
by Anders Nerheim Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Go see it.

I have nothing to say except it was absolutely wonderful, the crudity was never above tolerance and the ensemble worked amazingly together. Go see it.

"Enchanting."
by madee weisner Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This show was like the grown-up version of Enchanted. Yes, there were lots of vulgar jokes, but they were funny. If you are a theatre geek some of the somgs may have more meaning to you, but even for the complete novice the show will be thoroughly enjoyable. I put this show on my definite must see list.

All around funny
by Gretchen Culver Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This is a great show. Talented cast and engaging for all 60 minutes. I actually wish it was longer. Doug's writing was witty, fun and over the top. Perfect for the fringe. And Nate's lesbian performance was unparalleled. Go see it if you haven't already!

See this show before it's too late!
by Staci Larsen Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Do you really want to be the one who says you missed this show when everybody else is talking about it? Go see what it's about! Is it crude or raw? Of course it is! But if I can see it with my parents/siblings and still be laughing about it a week later ... well maybe we are an odd family, but still ... it's a funny that you need to experience.

Hooray!
by Janet Miller Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Life is how we get there and what along the way keeps us laughing! You did it!

A Fun Show You Must See!!!
by Kristie Svaleson Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
We laughed til we cried!! Cleverly written!! Delightful singing and stylish dancing. Don't miss this one!! Be prepared to laugh hysterically and blush at the same time.

i hate musicals
by Jennifer Christopher Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
But I loved this show and laughed my butt off! Trashy! Crass! Fun! Campy! Everything you could want in a Fringe show. Loved Krystyn's performance as Rasheda - totally stole the show. I don't normally like to see shows more than once, but for this one, I would definately make an exception. SEE IT!

This is a Review
by Alan Taverna Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
By far one of the funniest shows I've seen in years.

I had trouble hearing about 1/4 of the dialog, which is because the performers talked over the laughter(to fit in the time constraint). The last number drags a tad but other than that it's one of the best shows I've seen this year.

The Girl Hole.
by Dylan Frederick Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Yes. Yes. YES!

This was such a fun piece. The music was great, the entire cast (especially Harmsen and Rehkamp) works so well together!

I saw four shows today and none of them could even compare to the hilarious "Musical The Musical!"

Witty, disgusting and even sweet at times, Musical The Musical is NOT TO BE MISSED!

And you should get tickets NOW, the house was packed!

What the Fringe is all about!
by Nicholas Leeman Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Self-referential, irreverent, and supremely well built, this is exactly what Fringe Festivals should showcase.

MtM is exactly what you see above, a musical that knows it's a musical, and doesn't take itself too seriously. It's also violently crass, and lends itself to soaking up more than a few stereotypes. Each move is planned, however, and if you're willing to go along for the ride, you'll find yourself better off for the trip. Stand out performances include the absolutely spot-on and hilarious Krystyn Spratt, the golden throated and sickeningly sweet Kecia Rehkamp, the campy-and-loving-it Ryan Grimes and the was-she-typecast-or-is-she-just-that-convincing Courtney Miner.

Do not miss this show under ANY circumstances.

Fun and funny
by August Berkshire Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I'm not a big fan of musicals, but this was hilarious. The level of talent and polish was a notch above what we usually see at the Fringe. My only quibble is that sometimes the music drowned out the lyrics. (If you have problems hearing, you should probably sit closer to the stage.) However, this didn't happen too often and was not a big enough problem for me to deduct a whole kitty.

Good, not spot on
by Bucky Fay Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
If it is a parody of musicals in general, they missed a number of targets and devolved (briefly) into some boring and predicatable editorialing.
The ending drags a lot. The sound needs to be adjusted to hear the lyrics. And the concentration camp line is just not funny. Oh, and Loren's trashy outfit is not sexy, just goofy.
Most of the choreography is very good, Connor's ballad is lovely, the glee of the show is infectuous.
In short, a very good show, but it would need some re-writing to become a great one.

shocking, hilarious, rasheda!
by Sarah Beaumont Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
This show was absolutely hilarious. By far the funniest I've seen in the Fringe so far. Rasheda, played by Krystn Spatt is electric on stage and spits out hilarious line after hilarious line. The harmonies in the music are brilliant and Connor played by Reid Harmsen and Lauren (Kecia Rehkamp) have excellent voices and are great actors. every joke is witty, raunchy, and clever, and some can be very offensive, but its all in good fun. the holocaust joke is my only complaint. it was just a little too much, but overall this is a must see. if you don't get offended too easily.

live from minneapolis, it's fringe!
by Thomas Rohde Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
kevin smith has made his career on dick and fart jokes. doug neithercott has tried to do him one better and set those dick and fart jokes to music, toss in some racial humor and gay jokes, all the while lampooning musical theatre and the people who participate in it. some of the songs are hysterical, some of them start off funny and then realize that there is still two minutes to fill so they get repetitious, and some of them have a funnier concept than delivery. that being said, i laughed throughout the entire show. doug's written a pretty good musical skit and put it in front of a crowd, i hope the next step is a rewrite that makes it bigger and better. everyone in this did a fantastic job and i hope that it gets another life after fringe with a little more time to rehearse, a bit more to the set, and perhaps a band onstage to join in the fun.

Rebuilding the Fourth Wall
by Dave Romm Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Self-referential, raunchy, tuneful and very funny when you can hear the dialog. I like musicals, and I also like shows that tear apart genres in a loving yet disrespectful manner generating lots of laughs. Go fig. On Broadway, The Drowsy Chaperone earned a Tony nomination. For the Fringe, five kitties is the honor A Shockwave Radio Theater Review.

Best show of the fringe!
by re gurgitate Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
That's what I'm talkin about! Actors 100% committed to the roles! Witty dialog! Enjoyable songs! Exclamation! See it!

very [title of show]
by Marie Strampe Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
that's a good thing!

4 Kitties...Hooray For You!
by Ben Thietje Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
One kitty less than the best because I thought the music was a bit too loud. Other than that, the production exceeded my expectations. I laughed hard several times. Krystyn Spratt was hi-larious!

recommended
by David Pisa Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I'm a big fan of inappropriate humor done well, therefore I'm a big fan of this show. Sure it's often vulgar, and that's a valid kind of humor we don't usually get to see done this well. The vulgarity is witty: rhymes worthy of Sondheim if he had a more coarse vocabulary, and further humor derived from going so far across the line of good taste so suddenly that the only option is to laugh. Beyond being well-written, M:tM is competently performed, cleverly staged (as funny as the main action is, watch the background characters for extra fun), and amusingly choreographed. Completely entertaining. Line up early - this will sell out by the end of its run.

I was laughing the whole time!
by Grant Henderson Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This show was so much fun. From open to close the laughs never really stopped. There was no weak link in this cast, from lead to chorus, they were all strong, engaged, and fully commited to their characters. I can't recommend this show enough. Go see it!

Genuine laughter
by Beth Dingmann Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Packed with brash, irreverent humor, this show offers multiple opportunities for genuine, uninhibited, "sweet-mercy-I-can't-believe-they-just-said-that" laughter. The cast is extremely talented, and you can tell that they're having a whole lot of fun with this show. Plan to see Musical the Musical!, but also plan to get there early. I predict some sold out houses in this show's future.

A very enertaining way to spend an hour
by Neena Keener Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
A very fun parody of musicals, best savored by those who know the genre intimately, but definitely to be enjoyed by all. I laughed a ton. A few of the jokes definitely push the boundaries of taste, but nothing I couldn't get past and still enjoy the show. Standout performances by Kecia Rehkamp and Krystyn Spratt make it entirely worth your while.

Very Entertaining
by Daphne D Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Watching this on Sunday was my first show of the Fringe and it was a great way to go. I smiled, I giggled, I burst out laughing. Well done.

As cheesy as a Green Bay Packer
by Hazen Markoe Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
If you threw Amy Adams' "Enchanted" princess into the world of "Rent," you might get this cheesy and raunchy spoof of the musical genre. With an energetic and talented cast, this Urban Samurai production sings when it makes fun of musicals in general. Kecia Rehkamp is delightful as the all-too-innocent who is thrust into the wicked city, and finds temporary love with an overly earnest musician, played by Reid Harmsen. The clever music and lyrics keep the show going at a delightful clip, while providing many of the best laughs. Unfortunately, the rather raunchy humor gets extremely old after a while and threatens to overwhelm the production. I found myself rolling my eyes as much as laughing at the trowled on humor. Also, the over-amplified music tended to drown out the singers and chorus at times. Still, this is a delightful and funny show that's about as cheesy as anything from Wisconsin. It's definitely worth your while.

Musical!
by David Rust Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Another one. Holy cow, I may run out of kitties!

This comedic deconstruction of the modern, Broadway musical was rife with profanity, hilarity, and enough cliches to choke Andrew Lloyd Webber! The songs were catchy and the show -the musical equivalent of "Scream"- just flowed with a practiced polish that so few Fringe shows have. From the opening song, "Opening Song", to the end (you can guess as to what that song's called), the show follows the young, starry-eyed newcomers to The Big City as they try to step up and prove that they have ambition and heart!

Making references to "RENT" along with other famous plays, the musical finds its own voice by poking fun at existing tropes while using them to deliver the simple message that life isn't like a musical ... but musicals can still be fun!

HILARIOUS!
by Ben Share Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Musical the Musical was a hilarious musical! It had a great sense of humor, the singing was great, and the acting was genious. I would recommend this to everyone, including those who hate musicals. It reminded me of the movie "enchanted" because of its mocking and stereotypical humor. BRAVO!

Offensive to a fault
by Reier Erickson Follow this reviewer
Rating 2 kitties
As the opening number started you couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of it all. And as it went on I found myself hurting from laughter. Then came Rasheda (Krystyn Spratt)... she easily stole the show from her first line. However I found myself feeling more and more uncomfortable in an audience filled with mostly caucasians that laughed at the almost minstrel show quality that the character came with. Her continuous reference to drug use, family violence and vagina references became old quickly. (It should be noted that in her liner notes she wrote, "she is thrilled to be cast in a show where she actually plays a black person" I can only hope she's being sarcastic.)
The humor in offensive comedy only works when everyone gets it... but too often we were laughing at Rasheda (a female Flava-Flav) and not at the satire that this show could have been. And with only one person of color in the show it just left me feeling guilty afterwards.

I'm not saying it wasn't funny... it was nail bitingly funny... but for all the wrong reasons. What could have been smart humor quickly became shock humor (a holocaust joke? Really? Yikes! and a father who wanted his daughter taken from behind? HUH?!)
Connor (played excellently by Reid Harmsen) was great... and Lauren (Kecia Rehkamp, whose voice was so good I kept wondering what she was doing here and not on Broadway) quickly became my favorites... their songs represented everything this show could have been: a smart satire.

Musical theater satire at its raunchiest
by Chet Taylor Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Very clever, very funny, and extremely well-performed by the entire cast. But talk about raunchy! It makes "Jerry Springer the Opera" look like a Sunday school class. Of course, that's exactly why the satire works so well. You can't believe you're seeing what you're seeing and hearing what you're hearing in a "musical"! Just when you think they've gone as far as they can go, they go even further.

What a great idea
by Jess Horwitz Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Great songs and hilarious jokes. Not the musical to take your grandmother to, but definitely take your musical-loving friends. I'm new to Fringe and so happy I went to this show.

What can/can't I say!?
by Sheena Janson Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
"Musical: the Musical" stole my heart from start to finish!! Besides the redhead being the sexiest thing since Jessica Rabbit, the dancing- hotter than...hot....and the music- a mere reflection of the theatre-goer's inner monologue, the appeal, for me, must be the "oh-no-they-didn't" moments!! A true testimony to successful risk-takers!! Bravo, "Musical: the Musical", bravo!!

run don't walk to to get to this show
by julie fossell Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
You need to see this show. Even if you count yourself amongst the select few (as I do) of easily offended fringe-goers, go see it. You may blush (as I did) but you will also laugh. I'd see it again in a heartbeat.

Shocking hilarity
by Mo Perry Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This is one raunchy, hilarious, gasp-inducing, roll-in-the-aisles-funny show. The satire is funny, the actors are shameless, and the music is great. Krystyn Spratt is an incredible actress and I can't wait to see whatever she does next. Ryan Grimes and Courtney Miner delight as opposite sides of the same coin. Reid is charming, Kecia is adorable, and the chorus is full of talent too. I'm not easily shocked, but I found myself clapping my hand over my mouth more than once. Hilarious!

Funny, funny, funny!
by Stef B. Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
A freakin' HILARIOUS spoof of the musical genre of theater. The energy, and humor, and genuine enjoyment of performing that the cast felt and exuded and displayed on stage was truly special. The musical was straight-up low-brow humor, full of terribly cliche stereotypes (drag queen who was literally 6' 6" and built like a damn linebacker, butch lesbian bar owner dressed in overalls and plaid, black crack-head female roommate, and so on), but the small surprises embedded in the musical made the stereotypes unexpectedly startling and incredibly funny. Now, the language was incredibly vulgar, and the humor was totally sexualized, and the bulk of the plot was very rude,but darn-it-they-were-funny-and-I-laughed-out-loud
-even-though-I-know-the-context-is-SO-socially-
inappropriate; but I just couldn't help myself.

laughed my butt off!
by Josh Nelson Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This original musical is full of funny parody and trashy one liners that made me laugh my butt off. I was more than happy to have chosen to attend opening night. Kecia Rehkamp and Reid Harmsen lead the cast strongly with comedic performances and great voices. This show is an all around success!

A delightfully trashy romp
by Bill Stiteler Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Okay, it's a musical filled with characters who know it's a musical. Fine. But it's also a ridiculous, over-the-top parody of musicals, replete with hilariously offensive characters, songs, and quite possibly the best joke about genocide I've yet heard at this year's Fringe.

Some of the songs could use a bit of polish, but the entire cast is energetic (Krystyn Spratz is a standout) and their voices are excellent.

Starts well, but sinks quickly
by Sandy Harthan Follow this reviewer
Rating 2 kitties
I love parody, and was excited to see how they would make fun of one of my favorite genres. When the sweet young girl comes to the city in the beginning "This is the opening number," I laughed and thought it was off to a great start. However, the play quickly deteriorated and sank to the lowest, crudest jokes instead of actual parody. (A holocaust joke?) Too many gay sex jokes, too little actual satire. It felt like they went for the quick, easy, shocked laughs instead of what could have been witty and clever. The performances were fine, but the content of this show left me a little disturbed.

Rasheda Love
by Richard Shields Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
This is a cute production and you will smile. The performance of Krystyn Spatt as Rasheda is electric. She owns the stage and much of the fun and laughter in this production is generated by her Rasheda. Ryan Grimes as Starla also holds your attention and is great in that part for generating a laugh.

The only major drawback for me was that none of the lyrics stayed in my head - a problem for a musical. However the energy of this cast and their ability to make you laugh makes the show one you should consider.

This is the Review Song
by Kale Ganann Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Very fun, frothy entertainment from the folks at Urban Samurai. The best sort of parody, the play both skewers and embraces the conventions of the modern musical, while adding a dash of awareness about the fact that it is, in fact, just a play.

The performers are all fairly good, though there is a little inconsistency among the vocal talents of the principal cast, weakening a few of the numbers. The set design is excellent, adapting to several locations and frustrating the players when a scene changes around them. Pay careful attention to the background details, as there are almost always more jokes than just the main focus.

Standout numbers include a song lamenting inspiration for a song and the opening song. All in all a very enjoyable night out.

What Fun!
by Heather Stone Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
I laughed my head off during this fun, trashy, hilarious show! Kudos to the entire cast -- you believed in the fun and camp of the piece and that made us, the audience, believe in it more and have fun right along with you all! Hilarious! I really enjoyed myself!

For Those Who Hate Broadway
by Nick Decker Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I normally hate musicals, but "Musical the Musical"'s meta references, raunchy one-liners, and thinly-veiled contempt for the genre endeared itself to my bitter heart.

Review, the musical!
by paulino brener Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Fabulous! Excellent! This show will definitely become a hit of the Fringe Festival. Great singing and dancing, funny and very entertaining! And a production that really raises the bar to many Fringe and non-fringe shows. And the house was already full on their first night. Go early or better reserve your ticket! Don't miss this show! Don't miss this show! This show! This shoooooow! This f-ing SHOW! :-)

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