Forbidden Broadway: The Next Generation | The Phoenix Theatre Company

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Forbidden Broadway: The Next Generation

April 23, 2025

—

August 31, 2025

Judith Hardes Theatre
Act 1: 40 minutes
Act 2: 47 minutes with one 15 minute intermission

A Love Letter to Broadway, Inked in Irreverence

Ticket Prices: Start at $59

About the Show

Are you ready to get whisked away on a delightfully cheeky romp through the world of musicals? Forbidden Broadway takes no prisoners as it skewers the beloved clichés, idiosyncrasies, and over-the-top moments that have become signatures of Broadway’s biggest hits. From soaring revolutionary anthems to the heart-wrenching ballads of contemporary classics, no musical is safe from the clever lampoons and spot-on impersonations delivered with razor-sharp wit. Seasoned theatre aficionados and newcomers alike will find themselves doubled over at the astute observations and biting humor, affectionately poking fun at the excesses and conventions of the art form we love. Beyond just a fast-paced laugh fest, this vaudeville-esque experience offers thoughtful social commentary set to side-splitting musical parodies, reminding us that even amidst the grandeur of the theatre’s most revered works, there’s room for self-deprecating levity and a wink at our own theatrical extravagances.

View Digital Playbill: Click Here

Contains mature humor, recommended for adult audiences.

View Digital Playbill

Forbidden Broadway Digital Playbill Animated GIF Teaser

Audio Description and American Sign Language Interpretation are available for each production. ASL/Audio Describe Night is:
Thursday, May 15, 2025 7:30PM

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Will Call: Two hours before show time

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Reviews

The cast—just four of them, if you can believe it—whirl through a carnival of Broadway archetypes, zipping in and out of wigs and Martha J. Clarke’s costumes with the kind of manic glee you’d expect from kids at theatre camp hopped up on Sondheim and Red Bull. It’s the kind of virtuosity that makes you sit back and say to yourself, “I knew it, theater people really are a different species!”

David Appleford, Broadway World

Alessandrini's work shines here in parodies that tackle themes of celebrity culture, theatre trends, and the overly dramatic performances of Broadway stars. All are explored with biting satire and infectious humor but also with a lot of love.

Gil Benbrook, Talkin’ Broadway

The flawless and smartly staged The Phoenix Theatre Company (TPTC) staging is blessed with an unbelievable quartet of performers who make this a joyously fun entertainment.

Chris Curcio, Curtain Up Phoenix

Ultimately, Phoenix Theatre Company isn’t simply presenting a roast; it’s a roast with affection, aimed at a Broadway that’s gone glossy and corporate. But it never forgets that under all the glitter and gimmicks, there's still a heartbeat worth celebrating.

David Appleford, Broadway World

And then there’s Steve Hilderbrand, the pianist tucked discreetly behind his baby grand, anchoring the entire thing like some musical wizard. He’s the quiet star—no costume changes, no jazz hands—just flawless transitions and razor-sharp timing that keeps the whole madcap revue from flying off the rails. Without him, it’s a parody on mute.

David Appleford, Broadway World

Nathaniel White’s lighting and Douglas Clark’s scenic design strike exactly the right chord, conjuring a dazzling cabaret atmosphere with effortless flair. Strings of lights tracing the proscenium arch frame the stage like a jewel box, adding a touch of old-school showbiz glamour that perfectly complements the performance. Meanwhile, Chris Neumeyer’s sound design ensures every note and whispered word rings out clearly in the cozy confines of the Judith Hardes Theatre. The balance is just right — you won’t miss a single syllable.

David Appleford, Broadway World

The cast—just four of them, if you can believe it—whirl through a carnival of Broadway archetypes, zipping in and out of wigs and Martha J. Clarke’s costumes with the kind of manic glee you’d expect from kids at theatre camp hopped up on Sondheim and Red Bull. It’s the kind of virtuosity that makes you sit back and say to yourself, “I knew it, theater people really are a different species!”

David Appleford, Broadway World

Alessandrini's work shines here in parodies that tackle themes of celebrity culture, theatre trends, and the overly dramatic performances of Broadway stars. All are explored with biting satire and infectious humor but also with a lot of love.

Gil Benbrook, Talkin’ Broadway

The flawless and smartly staged The Phoenix Theatre Company (TPTC) staging is blessed with an unbelievable quartet of performers who make this a joyously fun entertainment.

Chris Curcio, Curtain Up Phoenix

Ultimately, Phoenix Theatre Company isn’t simply presenting a roast; it’s a roast with affection, aimed at a Broadway that’s gone glossy and corporate. But it never forgets that under all the glitter and gimmicks, there's still a heartbeat worth celebrating.

David Appleford, Broadway World

And then there’s Steve Hilderbrand, the pianist tucked discreetly behind his baby grand, anchoring the entire thing like some musical wizard. He’s the quiet star—no costume changes, no jazz hands—just flawless transitions and razor-sharp timing that keeps the whole madcap revue from flying off the rails. Without him, it’s a parody on mute.

David Appleford, Broadway World

Nathaniel White’s lighting and Douglas Clark’s scenic design strike exactly the right chord, conjuring a dazzling cabaret atmosphere with effortless flair. Strings of lights tracing the proscenium arch frame the stage like a jewel box, adding a touch of old-school showbiz glamour that perfectly complements the performance. Meanwhile, Chris Neumeyer’s sound design ensures every note and whispered word rings out clearly in the cozy confines of the Judith Hardes Theatre. The balance is just right — you won’t miss a single syllable.

David Appleford, Broadway World

Cast

Lucas Coatney-Murietta*

(May 27 through closing)

Breona Conrad*

Rachel Policar*

William Selby*

Seth Tucker*

(April 1-May 25)

Katie Frederick

Female Swing

Teddy Ladley

Male Swing (May 27 through closing)

Ben Massouras

Male Swing (April 1-May 25)

Lucas Coatney-Murietta*

(May 27 through closing)

Breona Conrad*

Rachel Policar*

William Selby*

Seth Tucker*

(April 1-May 25)

Katie Frederick

Female Swing

Teddy Ladley

Male Swing (May 27 through closing)

Ben Massouras

Male Swing (April 1-May 25)

* Denotes a member of Actors’ Equity Association

*Denotes a Member of Actors’ Equity Association

Creative Team

Lyrics and Book by

Gerard Alessandrini

Directed By

William Selby

Musical Direction by

Steve Hilderbrand

Lyrics and Book by

Gerard Alessandrini

Directed By

William Selby

Musical Direction by

Steve Hilderbrand

* Denotes a Member of Actors’ Equity Association

+ Denotes a Member of Stage Directors and Choreographers Society

♢ Denotes a Member of United Scenic Artists (IATSE)

* Denotes a Member of Actors’ Equity Association | + Denotes a Member of Stage Directors and Choreographers Society | ♢ Denotes a Member of United Scenic Artists (IATSE)

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