NY Theater Review by Susan Hasho
You may think that putting a bunch of stand-up comedians on stage together in a musical would be like herding cats or, at best, unlikely. Think again!! “HA” …The Musical is 11 such comedians –altogether very funny, directed with great skill by Darren Katz and Michelle Wendt, with music and lyrics by Julian Velard (with lyrical contribution from Michelle Wendt).
It’s like a comedy class hosted by Kevin Farley explaining the different types of stand-up comedians; it’s like a revue with each comedian having his/her moment; it’s like a musical with funny, stupid great songs and lyrics; and it’s a clever production with enormously talented performers. The venue is a cabaret room at the Triad NYC, there is a drink minimum, so the evening has a classic comedy club vibe.
Here’s the information right up front because it’s closing on Thursday and you should see it.
“HA” …The Musical is a new show about the comedy world and life as a standup comic. With an incredible cast of accomplished comedians, the show features original music and book interspersed with standup sets and offers a true inside look at what it’s like to be a standup comedian. Each cast member plays a different comic archetype and the show explores the good, the bad, the ugly, and the funny of standup comedians.
Directed by Darren Katz (currently Resident Director of The Lion King), the cast of this unique new musical includes Christian Finnegan (Chappelle’s Show, VH1’s Best Week Ever), Kevin Farley (Curb Your Enthusiasm, MTV’s 2Gether, brother of the late Chris Farley), Jay Oakerson (IFC’s Z Rock, Comedy Central’s Premium Blend, BET’s Comic View), Bill Dawes(Lombardi & Bronx Bombers on Broadway), Casey Balsham (Gotham Live) & Shawn Pearlman (Comedy Bang Bang).
STAGE 72 / THE TRIAD NYC
158 WEST 72ND STREET
Wednesday, 8/6 at 3pm & 7pm
Thursday, 8/7 at 9pm
