The Toxic Avenger - Southwark Playhouse
Preview by Lizzie Guilfoyle
THE smash-hit off-Broadway rock musical, The Toxic Avenger, is to receive its European premiere at Southwark Playhouse. Based on the 1984 classic cult film, it runs from April 26 (previews from April 22) to May 21, 2016.
The citizens of Tromaville are crying out for a hero – enter Melvin Ferd the Third, an aspiring earth scientist determined to clean up the toxic waste problem. But when a corrupt Mayor and her government goons try to stop this heroic feat, Melvin is tossed into a vat of toxic waste and transformed into The Toxic Avenger, New Jersey’s first superhero!
‘Toxie’ is a seven-foot mutant freak with superhuman strength and a supersized heart to match. He’s out to save New Jersey, end global warming, woo the prettiest (blindest) librarian in town and get home in time for dinner, in this toxic love story with an environmental twist. Prepare to laugh, scream and sing as ‘Toxie’ rocks the house and saves the day.
The European premiere of this rock ‘n’ roll musical comedy from the Tony Award-winning creative team behind Memphis, Joe DiPietro (book) and David Bryan (music), is based on Lloyd Kauffman’s 1984 cult classic film from Troma Entertainment. It debuted off-Broadway on April 6, 2009, and won the Outer Critics’ Circle Award for Outstanding New Off-Broadway Musical.
This production is presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Limited on behalf of Music Theatre International of New York.
Writer Joe DiPietro said: “The Toxic Avenger is a modern, musical superhero and the world leader in the fight against pollution, corruption and evil politicians. So how brilliant that he’s finally going where he’s needed most: London.”
Joe DiPietro and David Bryan wrote the quadruple Tony award-winning Broadway hit Memphis which subsequently opened in London’s West End in 2014 starring Beverley Knight.
Joe DiPietro also wrote the book and lyrics to I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, the longest running musical revue in New York history which has had hundreds of productions across the country and around the world. He wrote the book and lyrics to the Broadway musical All Shook Up, and the award-winning musical, The Thing About Men, which has played internationally.
His plays include the Edgar Award-winning mystery, The Art of Murder, as well as the long-running hit comedy Over the River and through the Woods, which has had over a hundred productions around the world and is currently being developed into a feature film.
David Bryan is a singer, songwriter, composer, lyricst and programmer who also dedicates his time to become a National Spokesperson for VH1’s Save The Music Program, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of music education in America’s schools.
Presented by Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment in association with the King’s Head Theatre, Guy James and Szpiezak Productions, The Toxic Avenger is directed by Benji Sperring (Shock Treatment, King’s Head Theatre, The Immortal Hour, Valley of Song, Finborough Theatre), with musical direction by Alex Beetschen, lighting design by Nic Farman and choreography by Lucie Pankhurst. Casting and further creative details will be announced in due course.
Tickets: Previews – all tickets £14 (not Sunday). From April 26 – £25, £20 concessions. To book, call 020 7407 0234 or visit www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/.
Times: Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm; Saturday matinees at 3pm; Tuesday matinees at 3pm.
NB: The Toxic Avenger marks the introduction of allocated seating to Southwark Playhouse in The Large space. Patrons can pick their seats online or will be given best available seats when booking over the phone. Seating in The Little space remains unreserved.
Also at Southwark Playhouse: Lyle Kessler’s Orphans (until March 5) and the UK première of JC Lee’s Luce, starring Mel Giedroyc and Josette Simon (March 9 to April 2, 2016).
Sedos is presenting I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change at Bridewell Theatre from March 8 to March 12, 2016.