NEWSical - The Musical
They Distort. . .We Decide!
Reviewed by: Sandi "D"
December 2009
What a year it’s been as evidenced by the opening song “Everybody’s Full of…”
Oh well, I guess nothing much changes except the name of the party in the White House. But there was certainly lots of political and newsworthy fodder for Rick Crom, book, music and lyrics writer, to use in this latest topical review. With a jab here and a stab there, the overall feeling was a kinder, gentler production, not too down and dirty.
Leaving few stones unturned, each of the cast has outstanding moments.
Michael West portrayed Obama (especially in character when he adds the ears) along with Clinton and Gore as perfectly as anyone could in “Disclaimer.” Christine Pedi as Joan Rivers and Christina Bianco as Nancy Pelosi were emotion-less with “Botox” (Rivers buys hers by the case at Costco), with one of the funniest segments by newcomer Rory O’Malley in “Gitmo” the newest vacation spot where you not only get deluxe accommodations but a Holy Quran. Just call 1-800-GOGITMO.
Everything and anything was put on hold when “The Boy in the Balloon” made news, brought to life by the cast and the addition of a clever pull on costume with a little boy doll stitched on the front and real hands peeking through. Not many escaped Crom’s notice including Nancy Grace, Dr. Phil, Glenn Beck, John McCain, even the Pope (Michael West) had some choice words for the Arabs “stop blowing stuff up…give it a rest” (ah, if only they would heed these words!) and most hilariously portrayed was Susan Boyle (Rory O’Malley) with hair, eyebrows and dress.
Pedi does a good job as Hillary and also as Oprah (My Ups and Downs - fat again, skinny again, fatter than ever...). The most political it got was on company song “Yes We Can” if we stand behind Obama, blah blah blah. Some updated lyrics to “Denial” (you’re in Denial when you wear Spandex but weigh 300 lbs. . .) ended the show.
My impression: Christina Bianco and Rory O’Malley are the show stoppers.
All in all, there were many laughs and clever lines but some things that just didn’t work, i.e. Snow White found in a coma, seven dwarves brought into custody. Too lengthy, not really funny. Maybe Liza should take a hiatus since she’s been around long enough, even though Pedi is one of the great interpreters.
NEWSical is more than ably directed by Mark Waldrop with costume designs by David Kaley, lighting by Matthew Gordon and Scenic Design by Jason Courson.
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