Photo Flash: Outrageous and Offensive Hilarity in Balagan's THANKSKILLING

Jeff Thompson, Jordan Mann and Balagan Theatre should be ashamed of themselves as last night they opened Balagan's New Works Summer Series with Thompson and Mann's musical horror spoof "Thankskilling" based on the indie horror film of the same name. It was crude, lowbrow, crass, offensive ... and one of the funniest things I've seen in awhile.

Culled from the horror B-movie, "Thankskilling" follows (and parodies) the typical horror formula. Five college students, Jonny the Jock (Michael Feldman), Kristin the Virgin (Diana Huey), Ally the Slut (Lindsey Larson), Darren the Nerd (Mike Spee), and Billy the Hick (Evan Woltz) are heading home for Thanksgiving break when they encounter a homicidal killer turkey named Turkie (Jeff Orton) whose ancient curse sets him off to kill all who disturb him. There's Man-love, Turkey-love, JonBenet Ramsey jokes and more gore than you can shake a turkey leg at. And this parody comes complete with a glitzy Emcee (Greg Allen) who (in addition to his multiple other roles) leads the audience in a horror movie cliché drinking game. And all set to a rollicking score from the writers of the musical "Trails".

Now this is a new work so I can't really review this one night only workshop reading but I can say that when Balagan brings this back for a full staging in November and December as a late night offering following their production of "A Very Merry (Unauthorized) Children's Scientology Pageant", they are in for yet another hit on their hands. It might not be everyone's cup of tea (did I mention it's utterly offensive?) but for those inclined you'll laugh your ass off.

Single tickets aren't available yet but season subscriptions are still being offered on Balagan's website at www.balagantheatre.org.

And for those that weren't able to make it to the reading, here's just a little taste of what you missed.

Photo Credit: Jay Irwin