Forbidden Broadway – A Guilty Pleasure

Phantom - William Selby photo by Aaron Rumley
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By Kathy Carpenter

Annie, Trshia Rapier Phantom of the Opera – William Selby Avenue Q – Edward Staudenmayer Photo by Aaron Rumjley

North Coast Repertory Theatre Presents, Forbidden Broadway Greatest Hits, “An Epic Parody of Musical Theatre, A Guilty Pleasure.” It was created and written by Gerald Alessandrini and is directed by William Selby. Selby has duo roles as he is one of the multi-talented actors in the production as well. This is Selby’s twentieth time directing “Forbidden Broadway.” He has it mastered.

Cast L – R William Selby Cathy Barnett Trisha Rapier Edward Staudenmayer photo by Aaron Rumley

Forbidden Broadway is a musical journey of never-ending merriment, a parody of musical theatre. Tony Award winning, it is comprised of reimagined lyrics to major Broadway musicals, the shows you know and love. It is a path of laughter and fun as four extremely talented actors frolic through favorite productions. Between spoofs the show incorporates impersonations of well known Broadway celebrities that include spot on impersonations of Carol Channing, Roberet Goulet, Liza Minelli, Chita Rivera, Rita Moreno, Barfbra Streisand, Etheyl Merman, Bernadette Peters and more who are recognizable the moment you see them, complete with the mannerisms and voices to match. The show is one laugh after another.


Bringing you on the magic of a trip down memory lane are actors: William Selby, Cathy Barnett, Trisha Rapier, and Edward Staudenmayer. The featured pianist playing all the incredible tunes, is Elan McMahan, who is also the musical director for the show.

Jersey Boys William Selby Trisha Rapier Edward Staudenmayer photo by Aaron Rumley

Parodies included Annie, Phantom of the Opera, Hello Dolly, Cats, Wicked, Frozen, Man of La Mancha, Avenue Q, Dear Evan,The Lion King Jersey Boys, Book of Morman and Les Miserables to mention a few- a wide variety of favorites.

The set design was a shredded shimmering silver curtain as a backdrop of two microphones strands and a piano off to the side. It is all that is needed. Giving a simple  elegant allure with the spotlight on the actors, this showcases their talents.

A show of this nature requires major quick costume changes, which is a talent in itself. My favorite costume was Elsa’s from Frozen. What can I say, I’m a princess at heart. I was totally captivated by the spot on spoof of Frozen.



The audience laughter could be heard throughout the show and ended with an overwhelming standing ovation. There was an older audience of theatre goers on a Sunday afternoon. They could have been offended by some of the lyrics, but everyone loved the show.

William Selby – Cats photo by Aaron Rumley


Trishi Rapier- Wicked – photo by Aaron Rumley
Edward Staudenmayer – Les Miserables -photo by Aaron Rumley
William Selby – Avenue Q – photo by Aaron Rumley

This revue is irresistible Music Theatre delight.


Masks and Vaccination proof no longer needed.


Forbidden Broadway

Les Miserables 0- cast Photo by Aaron Rumley

April 20 – May 22, 2022

North Coast Repertory Theatre

Boxoffice 858.481.1055

www,northcoastrep.org


Coming Next

The Outgoing Tide

By Bruce Graham

June 8 – July 3, 2022

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