The Toxic Avenger

The Toxic Avenger is the kind of musical comedy one very much wants to love—because parts of it are quite funny and quite clever, in a quirky, offbeat kind of way. And it gets off to such a nice strong start. But this show—which recently transferred to Off-Broadway's New World Stages after having its world premiere at the New Brunswick, NJ George Street Playhouse—runs along rather bumpily. There are some perfectly realized moments, but also some dull ones. Its sense of whimsy in its best moments reminded me of Bat Boy and Urinetown. But those shows, which I saw repeatedly, were strong in all sectors—cast, direction, book, music and lyrics. The Toxic Avenger is far more of a mixed experience; it has some breezily funny scenes and I'm glad I saw it; but I'm in no hurry to see it again.

John Rando, who also directed Urinetown, makes the most of the material. I love his feel for irony. Joe DiPietro's book—about a geek transformed by toxic waste into a kind of superhero—has plenty of laughs. David Bryan's bombastic music, however, bored me. (DiPietro and Bryan collaborated on the lyrics.) Bryan is a charter member of Bon Jovi, but knowing how to create effective numbers for a rock concert and how to create effective numbers for a musical comedy are two different things. The score needs more variety, more memorable melodies. I can think of any number of less-well-knowntheater and cabaret writers who could have created a score that would have worked far better theatrically. The band, led by Doug Katsaros (who conduced Broadway's Footloose with similar gusto), plays the music with lots of energy; their execution is strong; I just didn't care much for the music.

Sara Chase is an absolute delight as the female lead. Hers is an utterly delicious performance—one of my favorite musical-comedy performances of the season. With her good looks, voice, and adroit comic timing, her future is bright. I'd seen her earlier in the Paper Mill Playhouse's production of Godspell, but this musical provides a better showcase for her. Nancy Opel carries off several roles with her customary verve—even performing a duet with herself. (Rando has done the best job I've ever seen of making a five-person cast feel enormous.) Desmond Green added a great deal to assorted small roles; he's consistently amusing. Nick Cordero, in the title role, is pleasant and likeable and amiable; but that isn't enough. He has the biggest role, he gets to take the final bow at the end, after Chase and Opel—but both Chase and Opel leave stronger impressions on stage. Cordero has a starring role, and it calls for something extra, which he hasn't yet found.

Beowl Boritt's colorful scenic design is fun, as are David C. Woolard's costumes. And someone ought to come up with a special award for John Dods' prosthetics and special-effects design; when the Toxic Avenger tears someone from limb to limb, we see those limbs getting torn off with startling vividness—an exuberant presentation of gore that boys of a certain age will especially love. (I have a hunch that my 11-year-old nephew Max would enjoy this show a good deal.)

The Toxic Avenger seems to be trying to be something like Urinetown or Bat Boy, but doesn't quite reach the heights. It's not a great musical—but it's not a terrible one, either. It's uneven, but it provides laughs, color, and some surprises. And Sarah Chase is just perfect in her role. Despite its flaws, I think it will find an audience. It's more like a cheap comic book than a great novel (or great graphic novel); but even a cheap comic book can be satisfying sometimes. And it's good seeing new musicals opening, even in these economically challenged times. The George Street Playhouse, under the artistic direction of David Saint, has a good track record as an incubator of shows, having launched Proof and The Spitfire Grill, among others. And they're currently trying out a new play by Arthur Laurents, New Year's Eve, with Keith Carradine and Marlo Thomas, that is more nteresting than most plays now running in New York. If it doesn't transfer to New York, there's no justice.

(Pictured:Nick Cordero, Sara Chase. Photo by Carol Rosegg.)

Chip Deffaa
Cabaret Scenes
April 25, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org