[title]
‘It’s not autobiographical!’ Andrew Lippa jokingly snarls at us, after revealing that his next song – from a musical in development – is about a guy who keeps writing Broadway flops. And it’s not: American songwriter Lippa has plenty of hits to his name. But after scoring 2010’s tepidly-received adaptation of ‘The Addams Family’ and last year's Tim Burton’s ‘Big Fish’ – which failed to make a splash – he knows the harshness of those bright lights.
The imagination-inflaming joy of musicals, but also the need for approval that accompanies writing them, weaves through the selection of songs for this joyous revue of his work, from ‘Marshall Levin’ (written for Sondheim’s eightieth birthday) to tongue-in-cheek Broadway hymn, ‘To the Gods’. It’s knowingly camp fun, with Lippa tossing catty asides into the audience as he sings and plays the piano. He’s a sharp-witted guide for those on these shores who might not know his music.
There are some great numbers to be discovered here. On the whole, it’s best to tune out during the worthy blandness of the Big Fish songs in favour of salty irreverence. ‘Cindy’, which reimagines the drippy fairy-tale princess as a dominatrix, is a blast, as is ‘Christ Almighty’ (think Miss Trunchbull in a habit). And Lippa has a ball with the death-obsessed Addams Family, his punchy lyrics brimming with gallows humour.
He’s helped by belting accompanying performances from Caroline O’Connor, Damian Humbley and Summer Strallen (one of a musical family as numerous as the von Trapps). They own the stage, bringing every part they sing to sad, bumbling or slinky life, while director David Babani ensures that the show flows effortlessly from upbeat, to reflective, and back again.