marla mindelle, a creative force behind the book and songs of "the big gay jamboree," demonstrates a remarkable talent for musical imitation. her co-writer, jonathan parks-ramage, and lyricist, philip drennen, have contributed to a show that is as witty as it is musically adept.
mindelle also shines in her starring role, commanding a captivated audience that erupted in laughter at the show's sharp cultural commentary and satirical observations. it's a rare feat for a production to achieve such widespread amusement and engagement.
stacey's disorienting awakening
the narrative kicks off with stacey, portrayed by the immensely talented marla mindelle, waking up with a severe hangover.
still clad in a rather scandalous party ensemble, this disillusioned musical theatre graduate finds herself in a remote village named bareback. her companions are four eerily cheerful girls, who claim to be her sisters. they hover over her with unnerving smiles, creating a surreal and unsettling start to her day.
a bizarre escape and a dark forest
what unfolds is stacey's improbable quest to escape this unsettling environment, which feels like a twisted blend of stepford wives and a vintage chorus line.
the quartet of "sisters" are each exceptionally gifted performers, and their comedic timing is impeccable. the story also introduces bert, a character embodied by constantine rousouli, who resides in the nearby woods.
bert's only menacing trait is his voracious sexual appetite, adding another layer of eccentricity to the proceedings.
a stellar ensemble cast
the production is further elevated by a gifted ensemble cast. brad greer, melvin tunstall, clyde voce, and cortney wolfson contribute significantly to the show's vibrancy.
the effervescent john yi also plays a crucial role in rounding out this talented group. "the big gay jamboree" played at the orpheum theatre on 2nd avenue until december 15th. despite the disorientation of her initial situation, stacey gradually begins to perceive her surroundings with greater clarity as the fog in her mind lifts.
clarence's yearning for freedom
the plot weaves in the character of clarence, who desires to break free from his imposed role as the sole black man in the village.
his eternal duty is to sing gospel music, a constraint he desperately wishes to escape. his story arc adds a poignant dimension to the narrative, highlighting themes of self-expression and liberation within the confines of a restrictive community.
stacey's journey of self-discovery and empowerment
driven by her personal quest, stacey embarks on a journey reminiscent of dorothy's trek down the yellow brick road.
she navigates a symbolic, perilous forest on her way to an enchanted castle.
along the way, she gathers a group of disheartened characters, a motley crew that would make dorothy herself proud. this journey becomes a metaphor for her personal growth and her determination to piece together her life.
a show-stopping number: bdsm as a new best friend
one of the standout moments features mindelle delivering a captivating, campy performance.
channeling marilyn monroe, she belts out a number that humorously embraces bdsm as her newfound confidante. her natural aptitude for banter and parody is on full display, and she dives into the material with an exhilarating abandon that commands admiration.
the magic of parody and musical theatre love
at its core, this irreverent musical finds its unique and delightful rhythm through the playful embrace of parody and a genuine love for the art of musical theatre.
the show's outrageousness is balanced by its heartfelt appreciation for the genre. the experience is made all the more enjoyable with mindelle at the helm, guiding the audience through the whimsical, almost oz-like, journey.
comparisons and early reception
while sharing a spirit with other downtown productions, such as those found in the east village, "the big gay jamboree" feels more like a raucous, albeit distant, relative rather than a close sibling.
the initial reception highlighted the show's unique blend of humor, musicality, and theatrical flair. the costumes were particularly noted for their contribution to the overall spectacle.
key cast and creative team members
the production featured a talented cast, including:
- marla mindelle: co-writer and star
- jonathan parks-ramage: co-writer
- philip drennen: songwriter
- constantine rousouli: portraying bert
- brad greer
- melvin tunstall
- clyde voce
- cortney wolfson
- john yi
visuals from the production
photographic evidence captures the vibrant energy of "the big gay jamboree." images feature:
- amanda lee, jillian mueller, marla mindelle, olivia puckett, and natalie walker in a scene together, credited to photographer matthew murphy.
- natalie walker in a prominent role.
- paris nix and the ensemble bringing the show to life.
- constantine rousouli in his character portrayal.
- marla mindelle sharing the stage with the ensemble, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the production.
the musical numbers within "the big gay jamboree" are central to its charm, offering a potent mix of humor, satire, and genuine theatrical magic.
mindelle's artistic vision, combined with the contributions of her creative partners and the exceptional talent of the cast, results in a truly memorable and entertaining experience that celebrates the joy and complexity of musical storytelling.