The Toxic Avenger: The Musical — Tromaville Review

I came across The Toxic Avenger: The Musical and decided to take this ditty for a spin. Fans of the Troma comedy series will get a kick out of this play. Whether you attend or not there is still a lot to enjoy about this little gem.

Toxic Origins

For those of you unfamiliar with the original movie, The Toxic Avenger starred Mark Torgl as the nerdy and unliked health club janitor, Melvin Junko. Bozo brutishly played by Gary Schneider and his friends decide to play a prank on the too trusting and ever horny Melvin, which goes horribly wrong. Having fallen into a barrel of toxic chemicals, Melvin is then transformed into the monstrous and grotesquely deformed Toxic Avenger played by Mitchell Cohen.

The mentally unstable toxic monster then goes on a rampage destroying the bad people in the community which then gives the corrupt Mayor Belgoody played by Pat Ryan Jr., cause to seek his annihilation. After framing Toxie, the mayor is able to turn the town Toxie has been protecting, against him. For more on this Troma classic, you’ll have to watch it for yourself.

Musically Inclined

I must admit that when I first began watching The Toxic Avenger: The Musical I did not expect it to be an actual stage production. From the opening, nothing had alluded to this. I assumed maybe it would be like Sweeney Todd or Repo! The Genetic Opera in its iteration. And although I was wrong it was still a really enjoyable ride.

The play itself only consisted of five total actors. Emma Salvo as Sarah, Toxie’s love interest, Ben Irish as Melvin and Toxie, Natalie Hope as Mayor Babs Belgoody and Melvin’s mother, Ma Ferd whose characters actually get into a fight with each other later in the musical. Yeah, soak that one in! Also, Che Francis and Oscar Conlan-Morrey played memorable multiple roles that will keep you laughing.

Same Premise, Different Take

My impression on the two franchises is not viewed the same even though they are practically the same. The original movie was good for the viewers it was aimed at, but the musical is for those same fans and can appeal to a new generation as well. The characters in the musical, even the villains were likable, they were funny and the music was enjoyable. Unlike their counterparts in the movie who were (as Daffy Duck would say) “despicable”.

The audience also joined in on the songs and even at times, the band, seated high above everyone got a few chances to participate in the play for some hilarious effect!

Next: MGM expedites Child's Play remake

In my conclusion, if you have or have not seen either this musical or the original movie, there is nothing that will keep you from following along. This was really a joy to watch even if there was no horror involved. Simply the fact that this became an on-stage production speaks to how much Troma fans enjoy the Kaufman characters. Don’t miss your chance as well. Until next time kiddies, Auf Wiedersehen!