As the old show biz adage goes: you haven’t really made it on Broadway until the parody of your show arrives in Houston. While we might have just might completely made up that particular saying, that doesn't make it any less true.
For evidence look no further than the arrival of Spamilton: An American Parody to the Hobby Center’s Zilkha Hall. The hit OffBroadway musical comedy that lovingly spoofs Hamilton proves that just because a show changed the face of Broadway doesn’t mean it can’t take a light comic roasting.
Created, written, and directed by Gerard Alessandrini, whose Forbidden Broadway has been a hit in its own league since the '80s, this affectionate parody of both Hamilton and musical theater in general tells the story of a very famous writer/director/star trying to save Broadway from mediocrity and oblivion.
With Hamilton-centric songs like "Lin-Manuel as Hamilton” and "Daveed Diggs - The Fresh Prince of Big Hair,” as well as general Broadway skewering numbers like "Book of No More Mormons,” "Ticket Beggar Woman," and "Broadway Assassins,” this singing, dancing comedy company won’t waste its shot to parody hit musical theater whenever they can.
In fact, Hamilton creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda, will find himself in good satire company during the show, as Beyoncé, Audra McDonald, and Stephen Sondheim get a gently parody prodding as well, along with the Hamilton collection of Founding Fathers.
Along the way, look for quick change costume switches (the only female cast member, Ani Djirdjirian, does approximately 15 a show), an onstage musical director playing the piano, some serious comic hip hop moves, and puppets.
The show has won lots of critical acclaim in New York, but one non-critic’s twitter testimonial succinctly says it all: “I laughed my brains out.” And who gives the production such a one-line rave? Just some dude named Lin-Manuel Miranda.
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Spamilton: An American Musical Parody runs now through June 9. For tickets and information, visit the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.
The cast of the touring production of Spamilton parodies Hamilton at the Hobby Center.
