Theater may be our favorite thing in the world, but that doesn't mean we can't appreciate its ridiculous side now and again. After a 10-month hiatus, Gerard Alessandrini’s Main Stem revue roast Forbidden Broadway is returning to New York. Directed by Phillip George and Alessandrini, Forbidden Broadway: Alive and STILL Kicking will parody popular Great White Way shows beginning February 22 at the newly refurbished Davenport Theatre.
“When we heard Les Miz was coming back for its third Broadway run, it was a wake-up call that it was time for us to resume,” said Alessandrini in a statement. “We’ll start with Pippin, Kinky Boots, Matilda and Motown, and as the season unfolds, we’ll add Rocky, Cabaret, Bridges of Madison County, Bullets Over Broadway, Aladdin, etc. Then we can officially open the new edition around Awards Season.”
Alessandrini created the first edition of Forbidden Broadway in 1982. Since then it has garnered numerous accolades including a special Tony Award. In addition to creating Forbidden Broadway, which has spawned 21 editions, nine cast albums and a record-breaking 32 year run in New York, Alessandrini was also an original cast member. Other stage credits include In the Beginning, Mr. President, Madame X: The Musical and The Nutcracker and I.
The creative team includes musical direction by David Caldwell and lighting by Mark T. Simpson.