The music and lyrics of some of the biggest productions captivate their audience with intrinsic detail and melodious charm, but when you take away those carefully worded lyrics and add a "below the belt" humour to them, you get Forbidden Broadway.

The award winning musical by Gerard Alessandrini, is sweeping the University of Johannesburg's Bunting Road Campus, Con Cowan theatre. Brass and blunt humour sums up the production's style and plot. An all sung musical of some of the most popular songs from musicals such as Cats, Mamma Mia and The Phantom of the Opera. However, the show does not take you on the same journey, rather it breaks down the details of the lyrics, adds personal twists to each and the end result is a sarcastic mock, which has the audience in laughter.

Directed by Naledi Award winner Greg Homann, the production itself is meticulously put together, and somewhat complex with its spoof take on different songs that may be unknown to some of the audience. "There are a lot of revue shows that spoof Broadway and West End musicals but Forbidden Broadway is unique. Gerard Alessandrini's rewrites are not only funny but highly informed. It is easy to mock a show or number in a crude, silly or crass way, but where this revue succeeds is in its intelligence and wit."

Sung to a baby grand piano played by Rowan Bekker the show's musical director, the 29-year old provides the show with an intimacy not often found in larger performances. The key's best features are vibrant, joyful and face paced, keeping one enthralled for the full 60 minutes.

JC Laurent, who has displayed his work on the West End, showcases his talent in production design. Laurent began his time with UJ arts in 2005. Along with this, Clint Lesch adds quirky dance moves to the choreography to help understand the true meaning the show brings.

The show takes on two different characters, first it vigorously laughs at other productions, moving on to the style of the original singer's way of performing a number. There aren't any fancy sets or over the top costumes, but the effort carried through in the performance leaves no need to have extra details.

The lighting at times seems delayed, and the sound does not carry through the theatre, but one can look past this given the very nature of the show. These minor errors somewhat add to the overall idea of Forbidden Broadway, but at other points takes away from it. I found myself in a state of laughter stitches and was especially eager for every number performed. The show did well to make me feel part of the performance through audience engagement. However, it would be beneficial to know the original numbers; because if not, one may sit there with what could be called a "poker face".


The show runs until 26 May, get your tickets now at Computicket or Computicket online. Alternatively at the door of the Con Cowan theatre, it will be a feast for your funny side.