In 1982, Forbidden Broadway started skewering musicals; their songs, their plots and, most famously, their stars. Lord knows we still laugh when Carol Channing is Channeled. The current incarnation has a very specific target, the immense Hamilton. And its superstar creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda. The show is big enough and good enough to poke a little fun at. Yes, some of the targets are obvious, like Daveed Diggs’ big hair. Others are more clever, and slightly insider. If, when those two big egos, Sondheim and Miranda, get together to talk about rapping and word count, our actress starts singing, “and another hundred words just came out of my mouth.” If that is funny to you, this short, entertaining little Off-Broadway show is sure to please.
Spamilton covers a large portion of the musical and its most famous numbers. Early on we learn that Mr. Miranda is not going to throw away his shot … to fix the Broadway musical forever. The variation here: “I’m not going to let Broadway rot.” For those who enjoy word play and very, very gentle and respectful roasting, there is a lot to like. Even Barbra Streisand pops by because she “wants to be in the film when it happens.” And when Eliza sings about the orphanage she is opening, well, I’m sure you can figure out our next guest appearance.
The entire show is fun, if a bit uneven. (The mash ups of current shows were more hilarious in concept.) The talented and hard working cast impresses, notably for strong singing and inspired clowning. Dan Rosales as Lin/Hamilton was excellent. The staging and the choreography was clever and quick moving. This show moves fast and is a solid addition to the Forbidden Broadway franchise. Spamilton is still running in New York and Los Angeles.