The Alley Theater, under the artistic direction of Gregory Boyd, opened its production of the new musical The Toxic Avenger opened on January 20. Featuring book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro with music and lyrics by David Bryan, this incarnation includes several new songs and revised book. John Rando has directed the production, which will play through February 12.
Based on Lloyd Kaufman’s 1985 cult film, the show tells the story of an unlikely hero, his beautiful girlfriend, a corrupt New Jersey mayor, an onstage band, and two guys who play … well, everyone else … bullies, mobsters, old ladies, and stiletto-wearing back-up singers.
Tony-nominee Constantine Maroulis stars in the title role, with the cast also featuring Mara Davi (Sarah), Mitchell Jarvis (White Dude), Nancy Opel (Mayor Babs Belgoody/Ma Ferd/Nun), and Antoine L. Smith (Black Dude).