The Toxic Avenger is a new musical by Joe DiPietro and David Bryan (founding member of Bon Jovi) and is based on a cult film of the same name by Lloyd Kaufman and it seems from tonight’s audience it has a major cult following of its own.
The citizens of Tromaville, New Jersey are drowning in toxic waste and desperately need a super-hero! This is left to Melvin an aspiring scientist who angers the corrupt Mayor – a formidable performance by Natalie Hope – who arranges for him to be disposed of by her henchmen in a vat of toxic waste where he transforms into Toxie the savior of Tromaville!
The quick changes and frenetic pace made it a bit rough around the edges although I think that was the idea and the actors certainly played that up to the full. It’s the great ensemble cast that make it work so well. The second act hurtles along brilliantly and they are clearly having a ball, and their enjoyment infects the audience.
The two guys Oscar Conlon-Morrey & Ché Francis were particularly good, great comic timing and fabulously over the top in their mind-boggling number of roles. Loved their Act 2 opening song ‘Choose me Oprah’ joined by Emma Salvo one of several song highlights.
Toxie/Melvin is played by Mark Anderson to great effect in both roles – totally nerdy as Melvin and powerful as Toxie (I imagine uncomfortably hot in that costume) and owns the stage throughout.
Emma Salvo has the difficult task of being Melvin/Toxie’s love interest…..a blind librarian – say no more! She excels in the role.
A constant stream of un-PC jokes means you will need to leave your moral high-horse at the door.
Completely daft, tongue in cheek, silly, camp, slapstick escapism and it feels like a mash up of Rocky Horror, Little Shop of Horrors, with a myriad of references to many other musicals from the last 40 years. If you know your musicals you will have fun reference spotting.
With a great set designed by Takis and an impressive band that kept the ball rolling you will be in for a non-stop fun evening.
Reviewed by Peter Harrington
queerguru Contributing Editor
The Toxic Avenger
Arts Theatre, London.
https://artstheatrewestend.co.uk
