Off Broadway Satire Celebrates Patti and Audra in 2023

The latest edition of the long-running satire 'Forbidden Broadway' debuted on Thursday at Theater 555, located in the far west of Hell's Kitchen. This iteration, titled 'Merrily We Stole a Song,' aims to poke fun at the current wave of Sondheim revivals, including 'Merrily We Roll Along.' The show features a four-person cast that delivers performances intended to parody well-known musicals and their stars, with a particular focus on Audra McDonald and her upcoming role in a 'Gypsy' revival. Despite the show's intention to provide sharp and timely satire, some segments have been criticized for their hazy targeting and lack of relevance. For instance, a segment featuring Audra McDonald is described as lacking the necessary depth to effectively critique her talent. The show also includes a baffling takeoff titled 'Great Gatsby for Dummies,' which pairs an impersonation of Jeremy Jordan with an unrelated song from a 1939 film. The effectiveness of the satire varies, with some moments landing well while others feel like mere sideswipes. The show's creator, Gerard Alessandrini, sometimes struggles to find relevant material to satirize, leading to a mixed reception from the audience. Overall, while 'Forbidden Broadway' continues to entertain with its affectionate jabs at Broadway, the latest edition reveals challenges in maintaining the sharpness and clarity that fans have come to expect from the franchise.