For most modern audiences Lloyd Kaufman’s Toxic Avenger films (four in all) are seen as these campy and
outrageous films that can’t possibly be taken seriously because of their unique
blend of over the top violence and humor. Despite all of this the films have remained a
pop culture phenomenon as the title character Toxie (as he is known) has
appeared in comics and had his own animated series as well as toys and other
memorabilia. It’s not at all surprising
that he would get his own musical and Horizon Theatre (Atlanta, Georgia) is the
latest theatre to bring the musical to life.
Based on the book and lyrics by Joe Dipietro and music &
lyrics by David Bryan, this version of the story finds Melvin Ferd III (Nick
Arapoglou) falling for the blind Sarah (Julissa Sabino), who wants nothing to
do with him. When Melvin comes into
contact with toxic waste due to a run in with two thugs he is turned into the
Toxic Avenger who must battle the evils of Mayor Babs Belgoody (Leslie Bellair)
and her henchmen all while getting Sarah to fall in love with him. The show is a love story of toxic proportions
held together by some amazing songs and a very versatile cast. With toxic waste and other criminal
activities taking over Tromaville, Toxie must save his home town before it is
too late.
The show is directed by Heidi McKerley with musical
direction by S. Renee Clark and they’ve put together a show with a lot of
energy and vibrancy. The material translates
(surprisingly) very easily to the musical genre and the entire cast is amazing together. They have put an excellent cast together to
do Kaufman’s creation proud.
Moriah and Isabel Curley-Clay once again provide another
fantastic scenic design as well as are the costume designers. The set brings to life a small part of
Tromaville on two levels including a place on the second level for the live
musicians. Mary Parker provides an
equally captivating lighting design that brings Toxic’s vibrant and colorful
world to musical life.
Horizon Theatre constantly takes chances with the musicals
that they choose and this is an interesting choice to open their season
with. Several changes have been made to
the story for it to translate to the musical and live performance world but
these are minor and will not take away from fans of the films. This is a great show to start the season off
and get audiences excited for everything else yet to come. Whether you’re familiar with The Toxic
Avenger or not Horizon Theatre’s production is not one to be missed!
For more info about Horizon Theatre and to purchase tickets
you can visit them at www.horizontheatre.com
or call them at 404.584.7450. Photos courtesy of Horizon Theatre.
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