Toxic Avenger….you had me at Bitch/Slut/Liar/Whore

When I get to a show, one of my rituals is reading the Playbill. I like to know who is in the show, ("Wow, a lot of these people were on Law and Order.") I like to see where the show is set, if there is any intermission, etc. But, to be honest, for a musical, I don't like looking at the song list. I just feel like it ruins the surprise, call me crazy. However, at my recent trip to The Toxic Avenger Musical, my theater going friend insisted on reading the song list...and sharing it with me. "There is a song called Bitch/Slut/Liar/Whore" she shouts. WHAT?! So, naturally, my interest was piqued...and against my usual M.O. I looked at the other songs..."Evil is Hot", "All Men Are Freaks"...I hated knowing what was in store, but at the same time, I knew that I would love this show...damn you Toxic Avenger...you had me at Bitch/Slut/Liar/Whore.


WHAT IS IT ABOUT?

For those not into cult films, The Toxic Avenger is based on a low budget, yet highly entertaining 1984 B-movie of the same name (minus the musical). The musical revolves around New Jersey resident, Melvin Ferd the Third (Nick Cordero). In his quest to rid the Garden State of toxic waste (and nasty smell), Melvin gets transformed into a hero of sorts when he falls into a vat of green ooze. Throw in a blind librarian (a really impressive American Idol runner-up Diana DeGarmo) as the love interest, a corrupt New Jersey government official (the amazing Nancy Opel) as the villain, add a hysterical rock-n-roll soundtrack (music and lyrics by David Bryan of Bon Jovi...HELLO!), and you have the Toxic Avenger Musical.

WILL I LIKE THIS SHOW?

Let's put it this way -- if you do not like this show, you are either Amish, a zombie, or a member of the Duggar family (ouch, was that mean?). Now granted, this show is a great blend of sarcasm-raunch, and contains mostly low brow, gross-out, "make fun of blind people" humor, there is the potential to not enjoy yourself, if you have high moral standards when it comes to entertainment and are for the most part boring.

When I say I laughed so hard, I cried, I am not exaggerating. This is a fun show. Be prepared to laugh -- a lot. This show does not take itself seriously, and neither should you. HOWEVER, you should take the performers seriously...because the entire cast is amazing. Aside from the main players that I mentioned above, Demond Green as "black dude" and Jonathan Root as "white dude" play almost every other character on the show and offer some of the most laugh-inducing moments of the performance.

IS THIS SHOW APPROPRIATE FOR KIDS?

Probably not. There is foul language, sexual situations (albeit humorous ones) and some flying dismembered body parts, so taking anyone under 13 will probably not win you any "Parent of the Year" awards.

WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS SHOW?

You can check out the official Toxic Avenger Musical site here: http://www.toxicavengermusical.com/ and if you really have some hot, toxic love, you can go to the official fan site here: http://www.toxiefans.com/

HAS THIS SHOW WON ANY AWARDS? (....because that matters to me.)

2009 Outer Critics Circle Award for Best New Off-Broadway Musical

WHERE IS THIS SHOW PLAYING? ...AND WHAT IS THE THEATER LIKE?

The Toxic Avenger Musical is playing at the New World Stages, a great modern theater complex, right in the heart of midtown. The theater is relatively small, and there is not a bad seat in the house. Most seats are considered orchestra. All seats have ample leg room, and have a good view of the stage. There is a small, two row mezzanine referred to as the "Tox Box", which according to the Toxic website, "offers an exclusive area overlooking the stage that allows you to relax while you rock out at The Toxic Avenger, with two drinks INCLUDED in the ticket price."

New World Stages has a TONY ( Time Out New York...for those not into acronyms) lounge which offers drinks that they proudly boast, "you can bring into the theater". True story: a very buzzed woman was in front of me for The Toxic Avenger Musical --she gave toxic love a whole new meaning. CLASSY!

NEW WORLD STAGES

340 West 50th Street, New York, NY 10019

Performances: Mon, Wed, Friday at 8PM -- Saturday at 4 and 8PM and Sunday at 3 and 7:30PM

ANY CHEAP TICKET OFFERS FOR THIS SHOW?

Buying tickets straight from Telecharge with no code, will run you $51.50 - $71.50...but who plays full price? I mean really??! Try taking advantage of these offers:

• Playbill.com has an offer for $45 tickets through 9/30 (you must be a Playbill.com member, but it is free and easy to register). www.playbill.com/club/offers


• If you join the Toxie Fan Club for free, you can get a code for $45 tickets. www.toxiefans.com/main/authorization/signUp


• Broadway Box - $35 tickets http://www.broadwaybox.com/


• Student Rush tickets - $25 tickets - These are based on availability, a limited number of seats will be sold on the day of the performance for only $25. Box office only. Valid student ID required. 2 tickets per ID, cash only.

WHAT DO YOU RATE THIS SHOW? (OUT OF 5 TICKETS)

(4 Tickets)

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