Menier Chocolate Factory's FORBIDDEN BROADWAY Opens To Raves; Runs Through 9/13

FORBIDDEN BROADWAY is a runaway hit at London's Menier Chocolate Factory, where the show opened for a twelve-week run on July 2 to raves and crowds. The legendary theatrical lampoon, which ended (at least for the time being) its 27-year New York run on March 1, has been retooled for London and restaged for the Menier Chocolate Factory by creator Gerard Alessandrini and long-time collaborator Phillip George.

The show has been hailed as the "Must-See Treat for the Summer" by the London critics, receiving a five-star rating from the Sunday Telegraph, and four stars from the Evening Standard, The Daily Express, the London Paper, the Sunday Express, the Daily Telegraph, with Pick of the Week from The Guardian. In his New York Times Postcards form London blog Ben Brantley commented that Alessandrini's " ‘ruthless' new A Little Night Music spoof ‘sent the audience into ecstasies of laughter."

FORBIDDEN BROADWAY presents an informal and entertaining look at the history of the American musical theatre, lampooning current and contemporary musicals as well. Last seen in London 10 years ago, this updated version created especially for the Menier Chocolate Factory features brand new send-ups of Billy Elliott, The King and I starring Maria Friedman, current West End revivals of Oliver!, Sunday in the Park and La Cage aux Folles, Elaine Paige, Sarah Brightman, Hairspray, Wicked, Jersey Boys, The Lion King, and Les Miserables.

The London cast stars Anna-Jane Casey, Sophie-Louise Dann, Alasdair Harvey and Steven Kynman. Set designs are by Morgan Large, with costumes designs by the late Alvin Colt, lighting by David Howe and musical direction by Joel Fram. Forbidden Broadway is presented in association with John Freedson and Harriet Yellin.

FORBIDDEN BROADWAY was first seen at Palsson's Supper Club in New York in January, 1982. Unemployed actor Gerard Alessandrini wanted a showcase for his talents and put together, as a nightclub act, a selection of some of the musical parodies of Broadway shows he had written. Lauded by critics and audiences alike, FORBIDDEN BROADWAY has since become New York's longest running musical comedy revue, recently receiving a Tony Honor, and winning Obie, Drama League and Outer Critics Circle Awards, and as well as 2009 Drama Critics Circle and Drama Desk Awards.

Menier Chocolate Factory, under the direction of Artistic Director David Babani, recently celebrated its fifth birthday. In addition to producing at its home theatre, it has also transferred seven productions to the West End - including Sunday in the Park with George, La Cage aux Folles and A Little Night Music.

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