Off Broadway Palm opens with 'Forbidden Broadway'

The Off Broadway Palm Theatre begins its 2008-2009 season with the regional premiere of the Tony Award-winning musical spoof, "Forbidden Broadway," playing Oct. 16 through Dec. 20. The wickedly funny roast of Broadway musicals features outrageous costumes and hilarious impressions of Broadway's biggest stars. Each show's lyrics have been changed thereby putting a twist on some of Broadway's favorites… all in a side-splitting tribute.

"Forbidden Broadway" is written by Gerard Alessandrini. It's one of the longest running musical comedy revues in New York, playing for 27 years.

The show pokes fun at theater's greatest musicals, most successful songwriters and greatest stars. The parodies and impressions come at the audience in a laughs-per-minute rate. You'll see musical theater spoofs of "Annie," "Wicked," "CATS," "Les Miserables," "Chicago," "Fiddler on the Roof," "Hello Dolly!" and more. There are also hilarious impressions of Liza Minelli and Ethel Merman, all with a satirical twist.

Directing "Forbidden Broadway" is Jason Parrish. An associate director with Florida Rep, Mr. Parrish has directed the Rep's Children's Touring & Lunchbox Theatre Programs such as The Mischief Makers and Schoolhouse Rock LIVE!. He recently produced and directed Neil Labute's "The Shape of Things." Amy Marie McCleary lends her skills as choreographer. She recently choreographed Broadway Palm's "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas "(in which she performs), "Disney's High School Musical" and "Cabaret," all to critical acclaim.

The Off Broadway Palm Theatre is an intimate 90-seat general admission theater, located in the main lobby of Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre. With no seat further than 25 feet away from the stage, you become part of the show.

Performances are Tuesday through Sunday evenings with selected matinees. Ticket prices range from $23 to $45 with group discounts available for parties of 20 or more. Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling 278-4422, by visiting www.Broadway- Palm.com or by stopping by the box office at 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.