FIVE: The Parody Musical runs through March 10 at Theater 555.
By Rachel M.
If you’re one of the many of us who can’t believe we are headed towards an election where Donald Trump will once again be the Republican nominee and need somewhere to let out your feelings, go see FIVE: The Parody Musical. Playing off-Broadway for the next month, the 80-minute show will at least allow you to poke some fun at the Don while enjoying the talent of this small but mighty cast.
FIVE: The Parody Musical features Anyae Anasia as Ivana, Gabriella Joy Rodriguez as Marla, Jaime Lyn Beatty as Melania, Gabi Garcia as Stormy, and Hannah Bonnett as Ivanka, with a special appearance by drag legend Jasmine Rice LaBeija. Following the concept of Broadway’s smash hit Six, where the wives of Henry VIII share center stage, FIVE has Trump’s leading ladies competing to win the award of “who had it the worst.” And the competition is stiff…
Each of the actresses does an excellent job of portraying her character (although I’m not sure why Ivanka has short hair) and their good voices carry the show. Billed as a debate in Ronkonkoma, NY, each woman gets a chance to present their case as to how their life was ruined due to Donald (some have a hard time with that, since they’ve made quite a bit of money off him). Although they’re competitors, they also support each other, and they all perform for almost the entirety of the show together, with a lot of energy and stamina.
Many of the songs are parodies of songs from other musicals, so they will be more greatly appreciated by a well-versed Broadway audience. The play’s book and lyrics by Shimmy Braun & Moshiel Newman Daphna (with music and lyrics by Billy Recce) are irreverent and off-color, certainly appropriate for anything having to do with Trump. There are lots of humorous lines and many “digs,” exactly what one would expect from a musical meant to knock Number 45.
Without giving away who the winner of the competition is… there is an unexpected guest who joins the five and is a sure candidate for the woman whose life was most negatively impacted by Trump. This clever addition is a welcome twist to the plot. Overall, this revue simultaneously provides a bit of comedic relief and critique. Both are welcome as we move ever closer to the 2024 elections.
Find tickets and more information HERE.
TV and City 