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[title of show]
To Be Or Not To Be
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AM NEW YORK [TITLE OF SHOW] REVIEW
[title of show]: Love it or hate it
By Matt Windman
When Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowen announced last year on the "[title of show] show," their internet television series, that they intended to take their hit Off-Broadway musical "[title of show]" to Broadway, no one took them seriously.
"[title of show]" is a modest 90-minute musical about two guys trying to write an original musical to submit to a theater festival. (The joke behind the title is that they couldn't think of one.) But in spite of the odds, the little show that could is now on Broadway.
This reality-twisting creation, in which we watch the cast work toward the creation of the same show that they are simultaneously performing, feels like avant-garde theater for show queens. But at heart, it's the kind of classic backstage musical that traces back to Mickey Rooney declaring "Hey, gang, let's put on a show."
Its unglamorous set represents a musty rehearsal space with a few chairs. Larry, who makes up the entire orchestra, is seated at a Roland digital keyboard at the back. As a "special effect" gag at the end, the chairs are suddenly covered in diamonds.
The fierce four-person cast (Hunter, Jeff, Heidi Blickenstaff, Susan Blackwell) is certainly committed and sparkles with good humor. Our favorites are Hunter, the crazy dreamer of the crew, and Susan, who nearly steals the show with the showstopper "Die, Vampire, Die," about the demons that hurt one's creativity.
Like "Passing Strange," this is a show that you will either love or hate. There is no middle ground. At our performance, half the audience went insane with giddiness, while the rest looked on dumbfounded and pissed.
As explained in the show's sentimental finale, the creators have accepted the fate of being "nine people's favorite thing" instead of "a hundred people's ninth favorite thing." In other words, they refuse to accommodate mainstream taste. This is not Paris Hilton in "Mame." Even if "[title of show]" is a flop, what matters most is that they held true to their vision.
In any event, we found it to be an irresistible, infectious romp. Behind the low-key production values and musical theater trivia, there is pure genius, miles and miles of heart, and an immense amount of fun. We wouldn't miss it for the world.
Lyceum Theatre, 149 West 45th St, 212-239-6200, $36.50-101.50. Mon-Tues, Thurs-Fri 8pm, Sat 3 & 8pm, Sun 3 & 7pm. Open Run.
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