Marilyn and I took ourselves on down to the Greer Cabaret Theater this afternoon to see "Spamilton, An American Parody", and I have this to say about it.
If you have seen and enjoyed "Hamilton", go see this.
It you haven't seen "Hamilton", but are familiar with the music and the score, go see this.
If you haven't seen "Hamilton", but are a follower and fan of the Broadway musical theater, go see this.
It is a parody of Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical, and it takes some pointed, but loving, shots at the phenomenal success of his show, but it also parodies lots of other things currently going on on Broadway. It was smart, cleverly done, and wonderfully performed by a cast of five actors and a musical accompanist on the piano (who also does a terrific bit with his version of King George III's "You'll Be Back").
"Spamilton" was "created, written, and originally directed by" Gerard Allessandrini, who has similar parodies on his theatrical resume. All the actors were great, but special kudos to Erin Ramirez, the only female in the cast. Among other bits, she performed as all three Schuyler Sisters with the assistance of two hand puppets, as well as portraying other notable Broadway divas that you would recognize. Brilliant.
It is my understanding that Lin-Manuel Miranda himself saw this show performed in one of its earlier incarnations and gave it his enthusiastic endorsement.
Those "Hamilton" fans in the Pittsburgh area should make it a point to catch this show before its run ends in mid-August. And if you've never seen a show in the CLO's Cabaret Theater, you're in for a treat. Small and intimate, you're right on top of the stage, and you can grab a nice light pre-show meal and adult beverage before curtain time. A great venue.
