Bang tackles all of history in single night
Photo Courtesy Horizon Theatre Company
Two wannabe producers give an impromptu reenactment of the story of Adam and Eve in an attempt to secure funding for their show.
What does a conversation between The Virgin Mary and Mrs. Gandhi have in common with Cleopatra or even the Antebellum South? The Big Bang. No, not the Big Bang that created the universe but The Big Bang that is playing at the Horizon Theater in Little Five Points.
It has been called "Mel Brooks' History of the World Part 1 meets The Producers," which is a very fitting description.
The setting involves two producers who are trying to get financial backing for their musical comedy, the Big Bang. As "the most expensive Broadway musical ever written" it calls for $83.5 million with a cast of hundreds of people.
In order to get the necessary financial backing, the two producers must present the entire play in a Park Avenue apartment to the financiers, played by the audience.
After wrapping your head around the premise of the play, everything else falls into place. It starts out with original sin and ends prematurely at the beginning of the 20th century.
Normally, a play about the history of the world would not be a big deal, but The Big Bang is unique in its comedic portrayal of history.
How did history's greatest stars really feel about their lives? Did The Virgin Mary have the same maternal problems as Mrs. Gandhi? Would Cleopatra spend most of her time governing Egypt or gossiping with her fellow divas?
The entire play is a fast-paced musical with hilarious lyrics and great music. Because the producers are rather poor at the time of their show, they are forced to use their imagination and make use of household objects on their set. Anyone can use a bed sheet to make a toga, but how about using two umbrellas to make a Scarlett O'Hara-style dress? Or getting the Colonel Sanders look by using white shaving cream? Or, best of all, using a lamp shade to make a crown?
The Big Bang is definitely worth checking out. Tickets are reasonable at around $20 and the play runs till Nov. 19.
The theater's atmosphere fits perfectly with this play. Everyone gets a great seat, and it allows the audience to fully participate.
As is usual for Little Five Points, the staff was well-informed and friendly. During intermission, they even serve cookies and wine and ask for feedback about how their show is going.
If that isn't enough to entice one to head down to the Horizon Theatre, a portion of the proceeds are going to aid the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
