THE SECOND the curtain closes on Wokingham Theatre’s current production, a team of talented set builders will begin transforming Blythe Spirit’s genteel drawing room into the docks of New Jersey – complete with a 10 foot high barrel of toxic waste.
Sounds mad?
It certainly will be.
Midas Theatre’s production of The Toxic Avenger promises a laugh-out-loud musical romp.
Expect a kind of B-movie science fiction comic strip – with songs and goo.
Midas Theatre producer Thomas Atkinson-Joy, said: “This show is so much fun.
“Imagine a blend of Little Shop of Horrors, and The 39 Steps.
“It’s madly chaotic, and fast-paced – with beautiful music, complexity and bags of comedy..
“It’s off-beat, outrageous at times, and quite camp.”
A cast of five performers will play 40 characters between them, as they dive headlong into the polluted depths of New Jersey, where aspiring earth scientist Melvin Fird the Third, is determined to clean up Tromaville’s toxic waste problem.
With help from blind librarian Sarah, he discovers that Tromaville’s corrupt mayor, Babs Belgoody, is responsible.
When Babs and her goons get wind of his plans to expose them, they vow to stop his heroic attempts by dropping him into a giant vat of toxic waste.
But it’s not curtains for Melvin.
Of course it isn’t.
In this mad-cap glam-rock farce, Melvin reemerges as – The Toxic Avenger.
He’s the greenest, nastiest hero New Jersey has ever seen – more determined than ever to clean up Tromaville and put an end to the Mayor’s evil ways.
The book of The Toxic Avenger was written by Joe DiPietro, with music from David Bryan, American musician, singer and songwriter, best known as the keyboard player for the rock band Bon Jovi.
Music for the show will be performed by a live five piece band.
“There’s such a 1980s glam rock feel to the music,” said Thomas.
“You can hear the Bon Jovi motifs coming through, which is really fun, but there are lots of other styles too; ballads, a tango, fast rock – there’s really something for everyone to enjoy.
“At Midas, we work totally collaboratively together, with each actor and creative having a hand in bringing the show to life, which always results in something truly special.
“I’m hoping that audiences will love it.
“We’re a little bit proud of it.”
For a night that’s fast, funny and furious, catch The Toxic Avenger at Wokingham Theatre, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, August 1, 2 and 3.
Doors open at 7.45pm, with tickets available for £20.
For tickets and information, visit: https://www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk/
