Taint funny: `Toxic Avenger' is comedy from cult classic - #lakewoodnews

The setting is Tromaville, New Jersey, the most polluted town in that polluted state. The musical "The Toxic Avenger," at Denver's Bug Theatre, is based on a cult classic film by Lloyd Kaufman, and was written by Joe DiPietro, with music and lyrics by David Bryan (keyboard player for Bon Jovi).Director Colin Roybal has orchestrated an ongoing series of characters from three versatile actors who make lightning-speed costume and character changes as they move around blind librarian Sarah (Miranda Byers) and her hopeful, klutzy admirer Melvin Ferd (Town Hall Arts Center's versatile Seth Maisel).Ferd, determined to clean up his polluted town, runs up against crooked mayor Babs Belgoody (Annika Merkel), who orders her thugs, Dude 1 (Kaloud Irlanda) and Dude 2 (Chris Arneson), to dump the pesky do-gooder into the vat of toxic waste that sits at center stage.He emerges with a monster's lizard-like head, a deep ROAR and incredible strength. (It's fortunate that Sarah can't see!)Bryan's score is lively and bright and cast members all sing well.The five-piece backstage band, led by music director/pianist Adam White, added another nice layer to this clever, well-thought-out production.Merkel also plays Melvin's mother and there's a memorable dispute between the mayor and the mom, which brings Merkel a big round of applause -- really well staged.The Dudes play mobsters, old ladies, stiletto-heeled backup singers and more, with speedy costume and character changes, very well-timed.The tongue-in-cheek silliness moves along at a fast pace, at times in more than one location. One has to be alert.The mostly younger audience stayed thoroughly engaged throughout and exited laughing.Want to have your picture taken with Toxie?If you go"The Toxic Avenger" plays through Sept. 3 at the Bug Theatre, 3654 Navajo St., Denver Highlands. Performances are on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $20 advance, $25 at the door. EquinoxTheatreDenver.com. Free parking lot diagonally across the street.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Taint-funny-Toxic-Avenger-is-comedy-from-cult-classic,234074