Directed and Choreographed by Christopher Gattelli
Design by Scott Pask
Music and Lyrics by Jon and Al Kaplan
Review by Annie Aslett
Underbelly Bristo Square – Cowbarn: Tickets
Silence! The Musical is billed as the unauthorized parody of Silence of the Lambs, which catalogues the relationship between convicted cannibal Hannibal Lecter, and rookie FBI agent Clarice Starling, as they work unsteadily together to track down a serial killer. Parody it may be, but to call Silence! a send-up of the 1991 movie is to sell this show short. The musical is reverent in paying homage to its namesake, faithfully recreating some of the film’s most iconic scenes, drawing side-splitting humour from some of the movie’s most disturbing moments.
The show opens on a choir of ‘lambs’, providing key exposition for the uninitiated in the audience, in a confident opening number that leads off the show’s parade of high-quality music penned by Jon and Al Kaplan. It is rare for a parody musical to boast such memorable songs; one feels that the musical ought to have more mainstream success, though unrepeatable song titles make this unlikely. The ‘lambs’, made up of the 10-piece ensemble cast, walk the hilarious line between camp and adorable in their floppy ears and shiny hooves. Adding to the show’s impish quality, they pop up throughout to provide back-up dancing, scene changes and general hilarity.
Phoebe Panaretos is undoubtedly the standout as Clarice Starling, the FBI newbie looking to prove herself. Panaretos’ Mid-Western accent à la Jodie Foster is hammed to the extreme, even in song. Armed with her wig, accent, and pantsuit, she has the audience in fits throughout, nailing both the comedy and musicality that the intense role demands. Starring opposite Panaretos is Mark Oxtoby as Hannibal the Cannibal, in a deeply committed performance. Oxtoby is convincing as the maniacal doctor and capitalises on every ounce of humour that he is gifted by the show’s script and songs.
The ensemble cast is confident and dedicated in their delivery of the show’s smaller roles, each driving home joke after joke, Easter egg after Easter egg with conviction. Though each performer is a joy to watch, I found myself excited to see which unhinged character Tom Giles would wheel out next, unabashedly and hilariously committed as he is to every disturbing part.
An absurd, unsettling, but deeply funny production from Tony Award-winning director and choreographer Christopher Gattelli, Silence! the Musical is not to be missed at the Cowbarn until 25th August.
Absurd, Unsettling, Deeply Funny
Silence! The Musical runs at the Underbelly, Bristo Square – Cowbarn, Edinburgh, until August 25th on select dates.
Running time – One hour without an interval
Photo credit – Mark Snr
Review by Annie Aslett (contact@corrblimey.uk)
Annie is a not-so-recent graduate of the University of Edinburgh with a degree in French and Spanish, along with a Masters in Translation from the University of Glasgow. A Spanish teacher for three years, she decided to leave the classroom behind to pursue personal goals and has since been regularly reviewing for Corr Blimey’s Glaswegian wing. Annie is a life-long lover of musical theatre, whose childhood performances included a rousing production of Snow White in The Hall and a heartfelt rendition of Go, Go, Go Joseph in The Living Room.
