The Musical of Musicals, The Musical!

Dana Jean Phoenix and Mark Cassius, Paula Wolfson and Adrian Marchuk. Photo by Josie Di Luzio.

Can't get enough of your favourite Broadway musicals? Don't miss the chance to see all of them performed at once in The Musical of Musicals, The Musical!, a satirical love letter to musical theatre of the 20th century, on stage now at the Panasonic Theatre.

First performed off-Broadway, the show was a hit at the 2013 Toronto Fringe Festival, catching the attention of theatre producer David Mirvish who has included it in the company's 2013/2013 lineup. Featuring an all-Canadian cast, the production pokes fun at the musical theatre genre, repeating the same basic storyline in five different chapters, each written in the style of Broadway's most famous composers (Rodgers and Hammerstein, Stephen Sondheim, Jerry Herman, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Kander and Ebb). In each chapter, June (Dana Jean Phoenix) has trouble paying her rent. She is pursued by the evil land lord Jitter (Mark Cassius), given sage advice by the older and more experienced Abby (Paula Wolfson), and ultimately saved by her love interest/hero Willy (Adrian Marchuck). 

Accompanied by musical director Michael Mulrooney on the piano, the energetic cast delivers spot-on parodies of songs from musicals such as Oklahoma!, South Pacific, The Sound of Music, Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods, Jesus Christ Superstar, Cats, The Phantom of the Opera, Cabaret and Chicago, to name a few. Peppered with cultural references and in-jokes, this fast-paced and delightfully clever tribute to the genre is a musical theatre lover's dream come true. A must-see for anyone who has ever enjoyed a little song and dance.

The Musical of Musicals, The Musical! runs until January 12 at the Panasonic Theatre. Visit mirvish.com for more information and to buy tickets.