Review: SAW THE MUSICAL: THE UNAUTHORISED PARODY OF SAW, AMT Theater
We came, we Saw, we cackled! Saw the Musical: The Unauthorised Parody is nothing short of side-splitting. The musical takes the basic plot of the first SAW film and butchers it in the campest of ways! Three incredible actors play many parts including two saw-crossed lovers, the puppet Jigsaw, and the (literally) pig-headed Zep.
Cooper Jordan is the creator of the piece, with a book by Zoe Ann Jordan, music & lyrics by Patrick Spencer & Anthony De Angelis. Tony Award winner Stephanie Rosenberg directs and Leigh Pomeranz serves as musical director. Anyone seeking blood, guts, and giggles; this show is sure to satisfy your hunger for horror!
Saw the Musical: The Unauthorised Parody of Saw brilliantly emulates the bare/minimalist feeling which, in the film, adds to the characters’ feeling trapped and helpless. For much of the show, the two male leads (Danny Durr as Gordan/Zepp and Adam Parbhoo as Adam/Diana) are chained to opposite sides of the stage. This blocking is expertly used for comedic effect as well as building up the tension between the two. Did we mention this show puts a queer spin on Saw? Morgan Traud as Jigsaw/Allison/Amanda serenades and shocks with multiple musical numbers of varying styles.
In the true spirit of parody, this show is more funny than it is scary. It’s also a bit of a marathon for the three performers, who handle their many props and quick changes with finesse.
No joke, this show is bloody hilarious!
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Liz Turner
Saw the Musical: The Unauthorised Parody of Saw plays at the AMT Theater on 45th and 9th (Off-Broadway) on Saturdays and Sundays until 1 Jan 2024.