Review: THE TOXIC AVENGER MUSICAL at Uptown Players

Not every musical leaves you inspired or educated, but that doesn't mean a show written for pure enjoyment can't be fulfilling. In Uptown Player's current feature THE TOXIC AVENGER MUSICAL, a B-list plot creates an A+ evening.

Set in fictitious Tromaville, New Jersey, Melvin Ferd the Third (John Campione) is a bit of a lovable loser, with his teen focus split between saving the environment and the town's sexy librarian, Sarah (Katie Porterfield), who is not only blind to his feelings but literally blind. When Melvin threatens to expose the city's wicked Mayor Babs Belgoody (Sara Shelby-Martin) for her responsibility in "toxifying" the town, she orders a couple of local hoodlums (Clint Gilbert and Walter Lee, credited as "White Dude" and "Black Dude," respectively) to rough him up. The pair tosses him into a vat of the very toxic waste he is trying to eliminate, and he transforms into a deformed green mutant. Now, with new superhuman strength, he can take on the bullies - and the Mayor and her toxic waste!

Director Jeremy Dumont has not only perfectly cast this campy comedy, but he's managed to keep the laughter moving at a lightening pace without ever feeling like the unbelievable characters are too over-the-top. His ability to create a seamless transition between scenes (utilizing the ingenious scenery designed by Beowulf Borrit for the Off-Broadway production) keeps the audience in hysterics as the show takes a series of unexpected twists and turns. The style of THE TOXIC AVENGER MUSICAL doesn't allow Dumont to show off the big dance musical staging he's best known for, yet he masterfully enhances the songs with creative and comedic movement.

Fresh off the national tour of THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, DFW-raised John Campione is both charming as Melvin and perfectly alarming as "Toxie." The upbeat, pop score allows him to display his brilliant vocal range, as well as his acting range in great contrast from his recent roles in BONNIE & CLYDE and LES MISERABLES. Although his detailed costume controls most of the physicality of his performance, Campione manages to hold solid chemistry with his scene partner(s), not to mention the affection of the audience.

Sara Shelby-Martin lives up to her celebrated reputation in her multiple roles as Mayor, Melvin's mother, and a Nun. As the solo performer in the finale Act One duet, coyly titled "Bitch/Slut/Liar/Whore," Shelby-Martin provides a mic-drop worthy performance that had the opening night audience hissing and cheering like fans of a winning sports team. Her performance has to be seen to be appreciated, but as one patron commented at intermission: "That alone is worth the price of admission."

In their various roles, Clint Gilbert and Walter Lee nearly steal every scene they enter, whether donning drag, dealing jokes or dancing backup for the other three actors. Rarely does a scene pass by without the duo creating meme-worthy wisecracks. The fact that the men manage not to break character - or break their legs with all the running around and costume changes - is quite notable in its own right.

But the shining star of the production is Katie Porterfield, whose knack for comedy was only overshadowed by her powerhouse vocals. As the sight-challenged librarian, and object of Melvin/Toxie's affection, Porterfield's character could easily turn into a one-joke wonder, but her palpable charm was captivating. The young actress, who returns to DFW where she started her theatre education in Casa Manana's youth program, has already made a star turn on Houston's esteemed Theatre Under The Stars stage, leading musicals like HEATHERS, BONNIE & CLYDE and OLIVER. In the unlikely event that the New York scene doesn't soon steal her, local audiences are in for a treat with this new, sensational talent.

THE TOXIC AVENGER MUSICAL falls into the same category as other cult-classic musicals, like BAT BOY, EVIL DEAD and even LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. Although audiences looking to be stimulated by a heartwarming plot or mesmerized by a classic musical score aren't likely to find what they're looking for, I'd challenge anyone who said they didn't make up for those points in laughter.

THE TOXIC AVENGER MUSICAL performs at the Kalita Humphrey's Theatre through September 11th, and I'd suggest that you catch the show before it catches you. Tickets and more information can be found at www.UptownPlayers.org.

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