SILENCE! the musical - Above the Stag Theatre
Preview by Lizzie Guilfoyle
Christopher Gattelli’s award-winning production from the New York Fringe, SILENCE! the musical, an unauthorized parody of the film The Silence of the Lambs, receives its European premiere at London’s Above the Stag Theatre, where it runs from January 19 to February 28, 2010.
According to a press release, SILENCE! the musical comes complete with singing serial killers, songs with unprintable titles and a chorus of tap dancing lambs. Moreover, it comes charging at you with gleefully unstoppable bad taste.
The songs were written as a labour of love in 2003 by Jon and Al Kaplan, two brothers struggling to break into Los Angeles’ competitive film composing industry. Their catchy tunes and the outrageous lyrics gained a cult online following, culminating in SILENCE! the musical with a script by Tony Award nominee Hunter Bell.
The London production features additional numbers especially written for the UK.
The show stays true to the story, dialogue and details of the Oscar winning film. Familiar and gruesome quotes – ‘I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti’ – are easily spotted as Hannibal Lecter, Buffalo Bill and FBI rookie Clarice Starling re-enact their psychological duelling in over-the-top performances before a Greek chorus of floppy eared lambs.
The cast includes Miles Western as Hannibal Lecter (Olivier Award-winner for Pageant, Kings Head Theatre and West End); Broadway performer Tory Ross as Clarice; Fabian Hartwell as Buffalo Bill (Johnny Johnso, Lillian Baylis Theatre); and Catherine Millsom as Catherine (Facebook the Musical, Edinburgh Fringe).
They will be joined by Shakella Dedi (as Ardelia), Colin Duncan (Crawford), Leon Kay (Chilton), Phil Price (Everyman) and Phillipa Holliday (Dream Clarice).
SILENCE! the musical, which has a book by Hunter Bell, is directed and choreographed by Christopher Gattelli. Assistant to Mr Gattelli is Tim McArthur, Resident Director at Above the Stag.
Tickets: £15; previews (January 19 and 20) £9; first two weeks (January 21 to January 31) £12 (£10 if booked by November 30).
Times: Tuesday to Saturday at 7.30pm; Sunday at 6.30pm.
NB: The production contains strong language and is suitable for ages 16 and over.
For more information call the box office on 020 8932 4747 or visit Above the Stag Website
To listen to the songs visit the writers’ website