By ALAN SMASON, WYES-TV Theatre Critic (“Steppin’ Out“)
There are a few Off-Broadway shows that rise above the fray even though they are silly in concept or lack the kind of production values that won’t pass muster among Broadway producers. The current production of Little Shop of Horrors is the latest of these kinds of shows that continue to pack audiences into a smaller venue and manage to attract a revolving door of gifted performers who love the intimacy of the work as well as its timeless homage to the early days of rock and roll and girl groups.
For the better part of a decade – from 2008 to 2017 – another work, The Toxic Avenger, with music and lyrics by Joe Dipietro and book and lyrics by David Bryan was successfully produced Off-Broadway and around the world.
It’s a spoof of a quirky splatter film of the same title from 1984 dealing with topics like pollution, superheroes, unfulfilled love and the inferiority of New Jersey. It’s also a tour-de-force for the five actors – two leads and three others that each portray multiple characters.
Directed by Gary Rucker, The Toxic Avenger is currently on the boards at Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts in Kenner sporting a live band that accompanies the actors and accentuates their song and satirical lyrics.
With Jennifer Eastland as musical director, conductor and keyboardist, the quartet of players is especially effective in making what might otherwise be a drab accompaniment on tape into a spirited and moving interplay between the singers and the musicians, all of whom occupy the stage.
Playing Melvin Ferd the Third (yes, Ferd, the nerd) is Keith J. Warren, an actor who hails from Kansas City. Warren has a very good voice, which he frequently puts to good use, and his quest to right the world’s ills – or at least as many as he can find in his New Jersey hometown of Tromaville –is at the center of this musical’s book. Melvin could be considered a mama’s boy and not especially attractive. His one would-be girlfriend is the blind Sarah (a remarkable Kathryn Bancroft) and she is not especially impressed.
It is only after a nearly fatal exposure to nuclear waste that he is transformed into a green-skinned and ripped superhero.
When Sarah is confronted by two hapless harassers, she faints, but we soon learn that the transformation has turned Melvin into a dangerous vigilante with his own ideas on justice. Coming to the rescue of Sarah, he quickly dispatches them and vows to fight the evil town mayor and her cronies.
Once she revives in her apartment, she wants to thank her hero, but he warns her to stay away because he is toxic. Confused, she thinks he means he is French and decides to call him “Toxie.”
Warren’s campy roles of Melvin and the Toxic Avenger are really played for laughs. With songs like “Thank God She’s Blind” and “Big Green Freak,” it’s easy to understand this. But Bancroft turns in a near perfect comedic role as well. The two of them make comical magic on stage.
Playing Mayor Babs Belgoody is Laurie Reinagel, who memorably played the Mother Superior in two previous outings of Nunsense at Rivertown. The first time we see her, she is in a familiar habit playing a nun once again. But not long after that we see her playing Melvin’s mother, Ma Ferd, and the mayor, who it seems has sold her town down the toxic drain.
Reinagel is superb and enjoys several scenes with Adam Breaux and Kirkland Green in support. Respectively known at White Dude and Black Dude, they play a plethora of different characters on the Rivertown stage interacting with the mayor or Melvin.
Kelsey Brehm’s costume designs are integral to this production, especially in a confrontation scene between Mayor Babs and Ma Ferd. Amanda Cavalier is credited with wigs and makeup, while Claire Rav handles the special effects and extra makeup.In addition to his role as director, Rucker wears multiple hats as well, providing the sound and props for the show. Both he and Michael Brown rendered exceptional scenic designs. Belle Tudor’s choreography is top notch, while Camille Griffin’s lighting designs are also quite remarkable.
With an enjoyable song selection and a very tongue-in-cheek book and lyrics, The Toxic Avenger is absolutely worth checking out for an afternoon or evening full of fun. The live musicians immeasurably add to the production and work together with the actors to bring about a truly superior presentation.
Directed by Gary Rucker, The Toxic Avenger ends its three-week run this Sunday, November 10. Show times are tonight, Thur., Nov. 7 – Sat., Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee on Sun. at 2:00 p.m.
