EDINBURGH 2015 - BWW Reviews: TITLE OF SHOW, Paradise in the Vault, August 22 2015
Probably the most meta-theatrical musical ever made, Title of Show, or [title of show] as it is often represented, tells the story of its own creation. Two friends want to enter the New York Musical Theatre Festival, but the deadline is only three weeks away, so they begin to jot down whatever they say, rope in a couple of actress friends, and set out to achieve their Broadway dream. In other words, it's a musical about two guys writing a musical about two guys writing a musical.
Chock-full of quirkiness, the show was a cult hit on and off Broadway, with a plethora of references to both famous and flop musicals of yesteryear. It's an intentionally simple piece, even dedicating to the odd lyric to celebrating that all it needs is "four chairs and a keyboard", making it ideal for a small fringe venue.
The four performers in this production however, demonstrate the talent to dazzle a far larger venue, each turning in slick and engaging performances. Molly Cutter throws herself into the part of Susan with great comic timing, while Nicola Myers is exceptionally engaging as the wacky Heidi. Daniel Herman captures perfectly the spirit of musical theatre appreciation that permeates the show as composer Jeff, while Callum Black shows some impressive vocals as Hunter.
It would be remiss not to mention Eric Chapman as Larry the perennially neglected accompanist, especially as he managed to save the show from a near catastrophe, by subtly fixing up the music stand containing the entire score when it broke mid-show. Certainly a beautiful moment of live theatre!
It's not a show I'd suggest for families - there is quite a bit of bad language in the script as well as some casual transphobia. However, musical theatre fans will love the humour, as well as a number of catchy tunes that spice up an entertaining slice of postmodern Broadway.
Title of Show's run has now ended.
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