Forbidden Broadway: Next Generation
Judith Hardes Theatre, Phoenix, AZ, April 27, 2025
Reviewed by Lynn Timmons Edwards
Photo by Brennen Russell
Forbidden Broadway is the creation of Gerard Alessandrini, and since 1984 it has entertained audiences Off Broadway. Its success lies in Alessandrini’s parody lyrics and clever word play, which spoofs Broadway musicals and stars of the Great White Way. Phoenix Theater Company’s production was curated in consultation with its creator with its Arizona audience in mind. It began a two-month run in the intimate Hardes Theatre starring Seth Tucker, Breona Conrad, Rachel Policar, and its director and long-time veteran of the show William Selby. Conrad and Policar are both making their PTC debut in this show, and were up to the Broadway-caliber standards audiences expect from PTC. They possess sharp, articulate Broadway belts and solid acting chops.
Tucker, one of my favorite Valley cabaret stars, was magnificent as always. We spoke ahead of the opening about how Forbidden Broadway is like a cabaret without patter or storytelling. Tucker was motivated to audition because of the sow’s vocal demands, its high-energy comedy, and its reliance on impersonations. In this show, he bounced from Into the Woods to Avenue Q to The Book of Morman to a tour-de-force Emcee in Cabaret, in which he delivered a charming Joel Grey, a mysterious Alan Cumming, and an insane Eddie Redmayne without missing a beat. I am not a fan of Cats and he made perfect fun of it. Sadly, he leaves the cast May 25; he’ll be replaced by Lucas Coatney-Murietta, who is currently in the Main Stage run of Jersey Boys. Although they did not mention that the show was playing next door; “Walk Like a Man, Sing Like a Girl” and “Big Shows Get By” were two of the funniest songs.
Speaking of Jersey Boys, Policar rocked as Frankie Valli. She also wowed us as Bernadette Peters as she tossed her hair perfectly, and she also gave us the belt of Ethel Merman. She was really funny. She and Tucker started the show with “Sit Down You’re Blockin’ the Aisle” sung to the tune of “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat” from Guys and Dolls. She played a brash usher with a New York accent that served her well in several numbers. She perfectly parodied Sarah Brightman’s annoying voice.
If it’s possible, Conrad is a better singer and a real find for PTC. She took on Idina Menzel as well as a very funny cigarette-smoking 30-year-old Annie waiting for a revival of the musical Annie. Her tour-de-force number was as Carol Channing, with overdone red lipstick and a spot-on vocal impersonation, in which she refused to retire because “Dolly Is a Girl’s Best Friend.”
Selby was the weak link vocally. There were some parodies that took advantage of his voice, such as his portrayal of a raspy Phantom of the Opera. His best moments were as Tevya in the 11:00 number, a parody of “Tradition” where the ensemble one-upped each other with their own rhymes—ambition, inflation, complexion, and attention—as actors trying to make it to Broadway.
Selby has directed 21 productions of Forbidden Broadway. He was supported by an A+ local cast and he maximized the use of the intimate space. Pianist Steve Hilderbrand provided perfect accompaniment. All of the fast-paced parodies came from recognizable shows, making this show a “greatest hits of Forbidden Broadway.” Kudos to costume coordinator Martha Clarke and wardrobe supervisors Lucinda Koenig and Josh Lutton, whose work helped the actors nail their characters. The show runs in the Hardes Theatre through June 22 with possible extensions.
