Sing a song, or the world is destroyed.
Theatre Company of Saugus performs “The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals,” a horror-comedy about average office worker Paul, who detests musicals. Unfortunately for him, an alien apocalypse crash-lands on Earth and turns citizens into mindless singing zombies. It’s up to Paul and his friends to take down the musical-infested fiends and save humanity.
Musicals, alien battles, and unhinged comedy. That all describes the zany and unfiltered fun of Theatre Company of Saugus’s version of “The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals.” How I love walking into new musicals totally blind! This story cleverly talks about humanity and how we’re not so different once we get to know each other.
The cast is excellent. As I have said before, and will continue to quote, no part is ever small in the theater. The entire cast is having a fantastic time dancing and enjoying the delightful chaos of what theater is all about.
Michael Silva stars as Paul, who doesn’t like musicals (as the title promises). Silva does a great job with his character’s reactions to sudden musical breakouts. Paul is not your average hero, but he is willing to take risks to save the people he loves.
I am immediately drawn to character-driven stories, and this show thrives on dynamics. Their relationships are not like salt and pepper . . . It’s more like Earth and a meteor. Their contrasting personalities make interactions all the more interesting.
Tessa Newell is hilarious as Emma, Paul’s love interest. She shares Paul’s abhorrence of singing. You never know who you’ll get to band together with during an apocalypse. Included in the circle of friends are the lonely Charlotte (Lauren Thompson), cocky Ted (Brady Neiss-Moe), and stuffy-nose-dripping Bill (Andy LeBlanc).
Ian Page hammed up his scenes as the eccentric Professor Hidgens. Mark Damon plays several characters, from a boss singing about his desires to a serious general. Damon was funny in all his scenes, adding different characteristics to each role.
Actors go all out in their performances; ensemble members play newscasters, townsmen running frantically in the alien chaos, and members of the army.
Cast and crew for Theatre Company of Saugus’s “The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals.” Photo Credit to Sabrina Ornae Photography.
“The Guy Who Doesn’t Like Musicals” was originally a play created by YouTube sensation Team Starkid back in 2018. It has gained over 8 million views in recent years and is beloved by chronically online theater kids.
Director Jason Hair-Wynn always wanted to direct “Musicals.” In productions I have seen directed by Hair-Wynn, he has an eye for character-driven stories with insightful morals. He always adds his trademark flair in every scene of this show.
What makes this production special is that it was a total team commitment from all involved. Hair-Wynn and stage manager Ally Lewis gathered 15 actors who had been in past TCS shows. Everyone contributed ideas to make this fearless show the best time ever.
No show ever goes on its feet alone. A supportive tech team brings audiences into the madness through creative set designs, lighting, sound, costumes, and hair/makeup.
Musically, this production absolutely shines. The choreography by Hair-Wynn and vocal harmonies by music director Shane A. Stecher made every musical number feel like a joyful explosion of musical gratitude. Songs include ‘Join us (And Die),’ ‘Show Stoppin’ Number,’ and ‘Let it Out.’
I love laughing with audiences. Everyone was having the best time, applauding, making funny comments, and forgetting reality for a bit, something we could all use. It’s horror, comedy, satire, and full-blown musical chaos all rolled into one.
“This show doesn’t ask you to escape reality, which you totally can. It asks to look at it sideways, with humor, with discomfort, and with heart,” Hair-Wynn said.
Be on the lookout for musical references cleverly incorporated into the show. The math equation on the blackboard was my favorite. “The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals” has one more weekend at TCS, ending Sunday, Feb. 15. Get your tickets to enjoy the apocalypse mayhem.