I refused my own advice. For the last year or so, I told myself (and anyone else willing to listen to my diatribe) that I would not intentionally click on any digital article about the 45th President of the United States. Doing so would only feed the frenzy and support the media blitz that he simply adores. Sure. My small act of defiance would not move the needle, but at least I would hold fast to my principle.
But how could I possibly refuse a parody, especially one based off of a current musical that I quite enjoy. So I went to see Five, a new musical by bookwriter and lyricists Shimmy Braun and Moshiel Newman Daphna, with music and additional lyrics by composer Billy Recce. It takes its inspiration from Six, the hit show that pits the wives of Henry VIII against one another in pop diva fashion. Which of them had it the worst?
It doesn’t take a genius to know that Forty-five’s modus operandi is to screw over anyone and everyone, especially when it comes to the women in his life. Set on a debate stage in Ronkonkoma, New York, Ivana (Anyae Anasia), Stormy Daniels (Gabi Garcia), Marla Maples (Gabriella Joy Rodriguez), Melania (Jamie Lyn Beatty), and Ivanka (Hannah Bonnett) vie through song and dance for the role of biggest victim. Trained Julliard drag artist Jasmine Rice La Beija stars as a sixth guest. To say more would be to ruin the surprise.
Honestly, La Beija is really the only reason to go to this political send-up. The premises and the players being parodied are ripe for jabs, but the sharp wit required for the subject matter simply isn’t there. None of the performers—even with make-up and costumes-resemble their real life counterparts & musically, there isn’t much to rave about either.
It will be a long presidential election season, with plenty of chances for lampooning and laughs. Let’s hope we’ll find writers that can raise the bar higher than a…five.
Five is now playing at Theater 555 (West 42nd between 10th and 11th) through April 2. For tickets and information, click here
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