Thursday, July 30, 2009
Octomom the Musical - Never Say Die
With characters this ripe for humor, the musical takes a no-holds barred attack of the subject matter. Clever gimmicks like the use of sock puppet octuplets (socktuplets!) singing as a chorus and a cardboard cutout action figure of Miss Jolie, Octo’s obsession, play up the humor. Still in development, the creative team, made up of Chris Voltaire (book, lyrics and director), Rachael Lawrence (music and musical direction) and Dean McFlicker (musical staging), is bravely exploring the continuing saga of a woman the public just can’t get enough of. Further real-life antics are sure to end up on stage, and if the real Octo’s story is any indication, the show will have a long shelf life.
Leading the energetic cast is the vivacious Molly McCook, quite an effective look-a-like in the title role, and yes, she’s got the Octo “pout” down. Dinora Wolcott (Real) provides the through line for the show, singing with attitude and slyly commenting on the action as it unfolds. In the role of Bernie, John Combs is a commanding presence, and is especially comical when paired with Blake Hogue (Ponzi) in a wonderfully smarmy vaudeville number.
Making up the rest of the ensemble cast are Voltaire, as Octo’s maniacal doctor, Lynnette Li (Octo’s mom), Alexandra Holtzman (Angelina) and Stu Barron (Paulzon)…each playing several roles in addition to their main character…all of them slightly “bent.”
Octomom the Musical runs Saturday nights at 8:00 and 10:00 pm through August 15.
