NEWSical

For my money, Christine Pedi can do no wrong. For years, this deft singing comedienne was a standout in assorted editions of Forbidden Broadway. She may now be found, along with two other F.B. alumni, Michael West and Christina Bianco, plus Rory O’Malley, in the new edition of Rick Crom’s topical musical-comedy revue, NEWSical, directed by Mark Waldrop. It’s worth a trip to the intimate 47th Street Theatre just to see Pedi, by turns, become Joan Rivers, Liza Minnelli, Suzie Orman, Oprah Winfrey and the oh-so-earnest Nancy Grace (in one of the night’s best bits, sharing her dark suspicions about Snow White and the Seven Little Dwarves). I took delight in every fresh appearance by her.

Crom, who’s created the book, music and lyrics, has fun dealing with Susan Boyle, the “balloon boy,” Tiger Woods, Vinnie the “Shamwow” pitchman, John McCain, and Celine Dion. At least those were among the subjects the night that I attended; Crom puts in new material whenever he feels like it. (The night I saw the show, there were references to the then-brand-new dispute involving Jay Leno, Conan O’Brien, and NBC which will no doubt be gone by the time you might see the show.) Not everything works. The show starts slowly. Cast members are better at capturing some personalities than others. (“Hillary Clinton” isn’t quite on the mark yet.) Some skits could be trimmed or cut. (If you’re going to do a new bit on the underwear bomber, you might cut the older Pope/suicide-bomber bit.) And some skits need a stronger “button” on the end. But there is so much that is funny and surprising, you’d have to be a curmudgeon not to have a good time.

(Pictured: Michael West, Christine Pedi, Rory O'Malley, Christina Bianco)

Chip Deffaa
Cabaret Scenes
January 16, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org