Review: SILENCE! The Musical

Let's face it; Silence Of The Lambs is one heck of a disturbing film. There's kidnapping, human skinning (and donning), human killing (and eating), unwelcomed public masturbation (and… sharing), mind games, criminals, memories of animal slaughter, local police, and bad pantsuits. With such horror and intense thrill and so many quotable award-winning performances it is no wonder that a comedic re-do would play out so well.

Toss in a little music, add some blocking, condense a few scenes, and you've got yourself a widely successful unauthorized musical parody (even before you can say "Chianti"!) SILENCE, The Musical features a screenplay and music by Jon and Al Kaplan and a book by Hunter Bell. The original run of the show, which ended in September at Theatre 80, was a big hit, leaving audiences asking (from the bottom of a well) for more. So, following two sold out extensions, SILENCE kicked off another run, this time at The 9th Space Theatre at PS122.

This incarnation of the show finds David Garrison in the role of Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a part that was originally occupied by Brent Barrett. Having caught both runs of SILENCE, it is clear that Garrison does a good job of slipping into Lecter's tidy jumpsuit. Still, Barrett was such an ideal Lecter, so full of excellent vocals and general hilarious creepiness that it may be Garrison's best bet to carve out his own niche in the character, rather than attempting to follow Barrett's exact footsteps.

Much of the remainder of the cast has stayed the same, but no one's return is more crucial than Jenn Harris as Clarice Starling. It is safe to say that without her the show would just not work. Harris nails the parody of Clarice, accentuating that Jodie Foster lisp, accent, and strangely deep speaking voicE. Harris' blocking is perfect; every small move she makes is deliberately timed and executed. She owns the show, even if she has one of the weaker singing voices of the bunch. Without question she is the funniest person on stage at any given moment, and it is clear that she, and her bad pantsuit, are perfectly cast in this role.

The supporting characters also feature standout performances, with Stephen Bienskie nailing the cross dressing murderer Buffalo Bill, and Lucia Spina owning the role of Catherine Martin. The scenes and interactions between these two are fraught with hysterical harmonies and excellent screaming.

It is true that SILENCE, The Musical may not be the classiest play to take your family to on a Saturday night. Featuring tunes like "If I Could Smell Her C-nt" and "Would You F-ck Me?" this satire has a raunchy edge that may not be appreciated by all. Yet, for those who know what they are walking into, this is one of the funniest musicals on stage today, and certainly worth the ticket price. Just make sure you watch the movie first, and to put the lotion back in the basket when you are done. 

SILENCE! The Musical is produced Off-Broadway by Victoria Lang, Rich Affannato and Donna Trinkoff. The playing schedule is Monday at 8pm, Tuesday at 8pm, Thursday at 8pm, Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm and 10:30pm and Sunday at 5:00pm at The 9th Space Theatre at Performance Space 122, (150 First Avenue at 9th Street). Tickets are $25 - $79 and are available by calling 212-352-3101 or through www.SilenceTheMusical.com.

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