Hey, Here's an Idea: It's Not a Musical!

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Sunday, July 13, 2008

"Jerry Springer: The Opera," "I Like Nuts! (The Musical)" and "Wiener Sausage: The Musical!" all open this month on D.C. stages. We understand the appeal -- it's a cheap giggle and a quirky twist to an otherwise ho-hum play title. Maybe slap an exclamation point at the end of the first or second phrase for some extra zing. Hey, why not two of 'em? Oh, yes yes yes, you're all very clever.

The Capital Fringe Festival, now in full swing, seems to breed these titles, but traditional outlets (yes, you, Studio Theatre) have also offered up some "Improbable Noun: The Musicals." Enough. Let's give this fad the funeral it deserves. And so, in memory of the trend -- may it rest in peace -- we read the following examples from area stages from the last two years. Cue bagpipes, please:

"Bat Boy: The Musical "

(Landless Theatre Company)

"The Blue Lagoon: A Musical"

(2007 Capital Fringe Festival)

"Cannibal! The Musical"

(Landless Theatre Company)

"College Park: The Opera"

(Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center)

"Craigslist : The Musical"

(2008 Artomatic)

"Debbie Does Dallas: The Musical"

(Landless Theatre Company)