by Cookie N Screen
If you have drama student friends then you know the dilemma. You get invited to an end of college production, a final term show, and you have to awkwardly watch your friends perform. It’s all a bit strange because you know them as the people who face plant after a few ciders or get so drunk that they have to pirouette in your kitchen and ruin your chance of ever getting a deposit back. Suddenly, you have to watch your sub adult friends transform into entirely different people on a stage and you’re scared they are going to be just a little crap. And if it’s a play that they had written themselves? It is all a bit tentative.
But what if they are great? What if they were StarKid?
If you have drama student friends then you know the dilemma. You get invited to an end of college production, a final term show, and you have to awkwardly watch your friends perform. It’s all a bit strange because you know them as the people who face plant after a few ciders or get so drunk that they have to pirouette in your kitchen and ruin your chance of ever getting a deposit back. Suddenly, you have to watch your sub adult friends transform into entirely different people on a stage and you’re scared they are going to be just a little crap. And if it’s a play that they had written themselves? It is all a bit tentative.
But what if they are great? What if they were StarKid?
StarKid productions was founded at the University of Michigan in 2009 by some plucky aspiring kid called Darren Criss. If you are unfamiliar with that name, then you may be more accustomed to his character, Blaine Anderson, in one of the most watched television shows of the past decade, Glee. More famous now for his toe-tapping (and sometimes heart wrenchingly emotional) numbers of the television show, Criss started his career creating some of the most funny parody musicals.
A Very Potter Musical (AVPM) and A Very Potter Sequel (AVPS) soared Criss and the team such as Joey Ritcher and Joe Walker into internet fame. Constantly hiliarious, poking fun at the Harry Potter world and with some great tunes, StarKid productions had solidified themselves as one of the hot new musical productions on the past decade. If you can, head over to Youtube to watch each show, laughing yourself at these brilliant musical adaptations and original musicals such as StarShip (which has the greatest music.)
A Very Potter Musical (AVPM) and A Very Potter Sequel (AVPS) soared Criss and the team such as Joey Ritcher and Joe Walker into internet fame. Constantly hiliarious, poking fun at the Harry Potter world and with some great tunes, StarKid productions had solidified themselves as one of the hot new musical productions on the past decade. If you can, head over to Youtube to watch each show, laughing yourself at these brilliant musical adaptations and original musicals such as StarShip (which has the greatest music.)
But seeing as it is Batman week, we depart from the foundations of that Criss had laid and move to one of StarKids best works: Holy Musical B@man. With music by Nick Gage and Scott Lamps and a book by brothers Matt and Nick Lang, Holy Musical B@man (HMB) takes different elements from each series of Batman to create a whole new show that gives the caped crusader dance numbers.
The story for HMB goes like this; Batman has finally defeated The Joker. But while Gotham celebrates, Batman can’t contain his disdain with life. It doesn’t help that douchebag Superman is always trying to prove that he is better than everyone. At the mansion, after firing Albert (repeatedly) Bruce Wayne realises just how lonely he is. That is until Albert finds him a young ward by the name of Dick Grayson. Joining in his battle against crime, Batman finally feels complete with Robin by his side. But there is a new villain in town and deliciously evil Sweet Tooth has a plan to give Gotham the biggest cavity it has ever had and unite all pun spouting villains together.
The story for HMB goes like this; Batman has finally defeated The Joker. But while Gotham celebrates, Batman can’t contain his disdain with life. It doesn’t help that douchebag Superman is always trying to prove that he is better than everyone. At the mansion, after firing Albert (repeatedly) Bruce Wayne realises just how lonely he is. That is until Albert finds him a young ward by the name of Dick Grayson. Joining in his battle against crime, Batman finally feels complete with Robin by his side. But there is a new villain in town and deliciously evil Sweet Tooth has a plan to give Gotham the biggest cavity it has ever had and unite all pun spouting villains together.
So HMB plays fast and loose with the Batman stories. And while hard nut Batman fans may despair at this connotation of the Dark Knight, most people will enjoy the show. Because it is a freaking phenomenal paraody. StarKid have this collection of talented people that not only know how to hit comedic timings but can belt out memorable songs. The cast are just incredible. Joe Walker who plays Batman is hilarious poking fun at most Batman’s including the raspy Bale voice and tight pants of West. Known memorably before as Voldemort in AVPM, Walker is a leading man who is seriously charismatic and strong performer. Alongside him is writer Nick Lang as Robin, just as witty and on point as Walker. In fact, all of them put every ounce of strength and flair into the show. Dylan Saunders is a bloody amazing singer, Lauren Lopez (go watch her as Malfoy in AVPM straight after) is a genius and Jeff Blim is a wholy original and outstanding villain as Sweet Tooth. And then there’s the brilliant Brian Holden as Superman, Julia Albain, Jamie Lee Beatty, Chris Allen, Nicholas Joseph Strausse- Matathia and the list goes on. In fact, every member here plays different roles and plays them really well. Better than a lot of Broadway and professional players.
The strength here is the musical numbers. From the sorrow-filled, 'Dark Sad Lonely Knight' the delightful 'Rogues Are We' and the finale 'Super Friends', each song is epic. The writers here have nailed a show full of some tunes that are unforgettable. They have this great musical heart that keeps going long after the Youtube video has ended. You’ll be bopping away with the Dynamic Duo as they profess their friendship with the Dynamic Duet. It is seriously a well thought through and on point musical.
Holy Musical B@man works on many levels. It has this wonderful light hearted comedy running throughout, including some memorable scenes of Batman and Superman pulling down each other’s underwear in a hilarious fight, sweet based puns, Batman riding in a plane that looks like this…
Holy Musical B@man works on many levels. It has this wonderful light hearted comedy running throughout, including some memorable scenes of Batman and Superman pulling down each other’s underwear in a hilarious fight, sweet based puns, Batman riding in a plane that looks like this…
With so many astute and intelligent jokes about the whole Batman series without being overly mean. It’s ridiculous but contained ridiculousness and has this superior comedy that matches that of Monty Python. With colourful sets and wicked costumes, it is insanely good. I dare you to watch Starkid’s work and not finish with a huge smile on your face. You can find their work here and enjoy the masterpiece that is Holy Musical B@man. For now, here is a taster with the big opening number…
Holy Funny Status Batman! Cookie has a twitter!
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