Visit the Musical 'The Musical of Musicals (The Musical)'

The first song I thought of after seeing this thoroughly enjoyable evening of theater was the following: 'Wonder of Wonders, Musical of Musicals'. With apologies to Fiddler on the Roof, theater aficionados must visit the little theater that could in Alexandria, VA and play the game "Name that Show" as you listen to new lyrics applied to some of the wondrous melodies you've ever heard. I remember wishing I had seen the Off-Broadway rendition back in 2005 where it received great reviews while at Dodger Stages.

When you enter the theater you first see a stack of Playbills next to the stage. Background music includes music from Chicago, Camelot, Kiss Me Kate, West Side Story, Spamalot, Phantom of the Opera, and The Bells are Ringing.

The stage is filled with a lovely black Steinway baby grand piano, an old storage trunk, a make-up mirror, a chandelier (which WILL fall), and seven footlights.

What's in store for you are five mini-musicals based on similar acts where the heroine can't pay the rent, there's the villainous landlord who desires to ravage the heroine, an older and wiser woman, and, of course, our hero who always saves the day. That's it five different scenarios.

Each of these musicals is based on a composer and/or lyricist. There's the tribute to Rogers & Hammerstein (beginning with "Corn"), Stephen Sondheim, Jerry Herman, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and finally Kander & Ebb.

Making his debut at Metro Stage is Doug Lawler who excels as always on the piano but also is the narrator and even gets a chance to perform in the A Chorus Line finale.

The cast is a gem. Donna Migliaccio stole the show. But, due to her upcoming appearing on Broadway in Ragtime reprising her role as Emma Goldman that was so successful at the Kennedy Center, taking her place is Heather Mayes. The rest of the cast include Matthew A. Anderson, Janine Gulisano-Sunday, and Bobby Smith. They are all incredible performers who have so much fun on stage together.

One must give credit to Director Larry Kaye who does a masterful job.

The inevitable question is do you have to know and love the theater and be familiar with these artists to enjoy it. There's no question if you know the work of R & H, K & E, Webber, Herman, and Sondheim, you will get MOST of the jokes. But even for those unfamiliar with their work, you will enjoy this funny and talented ensemble.

So if you really want to be entertained, skip "Fame" the film and head to Metro Stage where MOMTM has been extended until November 1!!!!

For tickets, call 703-548-9044 or visit www.metrostage.org. 

I also recommend you visit www.musicalofmusicals.com.

Check out the very first public exhibition of Justin "Squigs" Robertson artwork in the lobby. Visit www.squigsink.com.

The Metro Stage season includes:
Pearl Bailey, by Request Nov. 19-Dec. 20
Mahalia Jan. 21 to March 14
Tiny Dancer April 15-May 9 (starring Paul Scott Goodman composer of Rooms, a rock romance).

For comments, write to cgshubow@broadwayworld.com.

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