BWW Reviews: Morning Star Productions Rocks with Hilarious Production of CANNIBAL! THE MUSICAL

Before there was South Park, Team America, Orgazmo, or even The Book of Mormon, Trey Parker completed a film that's become a cult favorite; Cannibal! The Musical. This hilarious, low rent production, features all the elements that would crop up in the aforementioned works, combining gore, sophomoric humor and a knack for writing catchy little tunes that stick like glue in your memory. Happily, Morning Star Productions has decided to mount a live production, and it's every bit as funny as the original. This is a must-see event for audience members who have an offbeat sense of taste and humor.

The story follows the exploits of the infamous Alferd Packer who led a group of 21 miners into the wilderness toward the promised land of Breckenridge, Colorado, but would up lost, and ended up being convicted of cannibalism when members of his party were found partially eaten. Cannibal! The Musical takes a slightly different approach, even though a lot of the historical elements are intact, including the reporter Polly Pry from the Denver Post, who helped Packer get released from prison.

Keith Parker does fabulous work as Packer, playing it just seriously enough to make the laughs work the way they're supposed to. Parker's fine voice makes the music come alive, and he's matched by Caitlin Mickey's earnest performance as reporter Polly Pry. Chris "Mr." Jones is sharp as the Mormon pastor who wants to find his fortune to build a church, and winds up being harder to put down than a terminator. Bradley Behrmann does a fine job as Israel Swan, the happy-go-lucky member of the party who, when things look their bleakest, suggests the group build a snowman. Eustace Allen is also amusing as a perpetual liar who's up for eating his fellow travelers, but refuses to eat his shoes when times get rough because "you put your feet in your shoes". Ben Ritchie is a riot as Frank Miller, a butcher with a wry sense of humor who finds himself in "timeout" when he grumbles too much. George Noon also makes a good impression as the ever-horny Sean Green.

The supporting cast is large and talented and includes: Dennis Folwarczny as Frenchy, a menacing trapper; Andrew Weber; Robbie Haupt, who doubles for Packer during a dream/nightmare ballet; Betsy Saule as Packer's fetching, but fickle horse, Liane; Nicole Angeli in a wide variety of roles; Alan David, as a Chinese (?) Indian chief who teaches Alferd how to defend himself; Roger Erb; Mike Monsey; John Foughty; Chuck Brinkle; Maxwell Knocke; Morgan Hatfeld; Valleri Dillard; Beth Ashby; and Maria Straub.

Director Suki Peters has done a wonderful job of guiding this cast and keeping the tone just right. Working with Bob Singleton, she's also given us some terrific visual projections, as well as duplicating the short gory film that opens the original movie. Bradley Berhmann's music direction is well done and works perfectly with Larry Kornfeld's tracks. Beth Ashby's costumes and the marvelous set design of Juan Schwartz also enhance the overall feel. Maria Straub's choreography adds to the merriment, particularly during the big "hanging day" number.

Cannibal! The Musical is extremely funny, and well worth your time and attention. Catch it at in the Crestwood ArtSpace before it ends November 19, 2011. You'll be glad you did! Oh, and you'll learn the true meaning of shpadoinkle!