In the 1970s, disaster movies were quite the thing!

Turmoil Can Be Funny

In the 1970s, disaster movies were quite the thing. People happily going about their business were suddenly beset with a shark attack (Jaws), an upside down sinking ship (The Poseidon Adventure), or an earthquake (Earthquake). Oh wait, there was also a tidal wave, (Tidal Wave, which Roger Ebert referred to as “a wretched failure.”)

In 2012, or thereabouts, Seth Redetsky & Jack Plotnick said, “Hey, why don’t we write a musical spoof of some of those 1970s disaster movies and include songs from that time?” Or words to that effect. Disaster! was born, and there is nothing wretched or failure-like about it. It is cleverly written and totally entertaining from beginning to end.The unfortunate folk are indeed at the whim of not one, not two, but four disasters in this hysterically funny mashup now delighting audiences at MusicalFare.

Welcome Aboard

The action takes place on a gambling ship/discotheque, The Barracuda,  tied to a pier in the ocean somewhere near the Hudson River, which is not a river, but a fjord, a fact revealed by geologist Dr. Ted Sheider (Kevin Craig), who tries to warn oily owner, Tony (Kyle Bassett-Baran) that the construction of the pier drilled into a fault line and a disaster is imminent.  Tony ignores the warning, he being a crook, a lecher, and heavily in debt. The lovely chanteuse with the breathless little-girl-voice-except-when-she-is-singing, Jackie (Kelly Copps), believes Tony will propose to her that night (probably). She is mother to 11 year old twins, Lisa and Ben (Arin Lee Dandes). Then, of course, there is Sister Mary (Emily Yancey) who sings for the Lord and has an issue with gambling, Levora (Gabriella Jean McKinley) a faded and broke disco star with a sweet little dog and some very hot moves, Shirley and Maury (Jennifer Mysliwy and Jon May) a retired couple looking for some fun,  Chad, a caterer (Ricky Needham) and Marianne, a journalist (Maria Pedro) who have history. And neither last nor least, Alex Anthony Garcia, Michael Gilbert-Wachowiak, Stevie Jackson, Kristen-Marie Lopez, Bob Mazierski, and Jenny McCabe round out this large stellar cast. Each and every one plays their roles to the hilt. There is no shortage of theatrical angst among the passengers as their lives unravel, secrets are revealed, and issues are resolved as they burst into song at the least provocation.

Embrace the Madness

The 38 songs and pieces of songs from various cultural phenomena of the 70s, particularly disco, are linked to the action on stage in unusual and amusing ways. Sister Mary belts out “Torn Between Two Lovers”. What, you might ask, is a nun doing with two lovers? For the holy sister, one is God and the other is a slot machine. “When Will I Be Loved” is the lament of Lisa and Ben joined by Jackie. How, you might again ask, does one person sing for two roles at the same time? On it goes, from the longings of polyester-clad Chad in “Without You”, to the feminist anthem “I Am Woman” by Marianne and Lisa. You will never hear “Three Times a Lady” again without thinking of the outrageously absurd bit from Disaster!

This madness is directed by Artistic/Executive Director Randall Kramer with Choreography by Robin Barker (great tap dancing), Music Direction by Theresa Quinn. Chris Cavanagh created the set, lights, projections and sound. Period costumes are by Kari Drozd, with hair, wig, and makeup design by Susan Drozd. Kevin Fahey handled properties.

There is not a serious moment in this show. If you are in the mood for a very well produced and acted musical comedy that will surprise and delight you, this is the one for you. Kudos to all involved in this not-disaster musical, Disaster!