Hilarity, madness, and good old-fashioned fun are high-flying in “Poseidon! The Upside Down Musical”, based on the book by David Cerda. Directed by Matthew Gunnels, Poseidon is the story about a ragtag group of “Poseidonites” who regularly get together to watch the 1972 disaster film The Poseidon Adventure. While dressing up as characters in the film, the Poseidonites go a little overboard (pardon the pun) as film enthusiasts go, and even reach the point of Trekkies, but that’s what makes them the dedicated die-hards they are. As the Poseidonites watch on, The Poseidon Adventure is brought to life with a fresh tongue-in-cheek approach that is brilliantly conveyed in its great casting and, of course, a strong, intelligent script.
The entire cast does a really good job at poking fun at the subtle, but trademark, characteristics of the film’s stars without making them overly ridiculous. In other words, they delivered the perfect amount of parody while keeping within the integrity of the original characters – and that’s what makes it so funny.
Being a musical, the songs were memorable, witty and well performed. Stand out numbers include “God Wants Winners” a satirical sermon by Reverend Scott and Belle Rosen’s very humorous “(In the Water) I’m a Very Skinny Lady”. The play’s author, David Cerda, is also responsible for writing its music and lyrics along with Scott Lamberty.
With a cast of over twenty, the difficulty is in mentioning the notable performances since everyone was so outstanding, including Cerda himself who starred as “David”, the “Too-Tanned Lady” in the magenta pants suit. Derek Czaplewski was excellent as “Reverend Scott” and Ed Jones was beyond funny as “Nonnie Parry” the catatonic female singer in the ship’s band. Beautifully capturing the “Borgnine” in Ernest Borgnine’s character “Lt. Mike Rugo” was Michael Hampton while Steve Kimbrough gave audience members a Shelly Winters to remember. Other performances to note were Elizabeth Lesinski as “Linda Rogo”, Andrew Swan as “Robin Shelby”, Megan Keach as “Lara” and Allison Lind as “Susan Shelby”.
Poseidon! An Upside Down Adventure is an enjoyable ride that gives show goers the feeling that they too are “Poseidonites”, if just for one night. Extended through September 27th, this is a show that is likely to bring you back a second time. This Hell in a Handbag production can be seen at Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division. Tickets are very reasonable and can be purchased at www.brownpaperticket.com or by calling 1-800-838-3006. For more information on this show and other Hell in a Handbag productions visit www.handbagproductions.org.
