Presented by ERA Theatrical Productions

Review by Hunter King

Ermintrude at Underbelly, Bristo Square

Once upon a time, in a far away land called Bristo Square, there was a new musical that did the modern classic thing that Wicked became famous for, humanizing the villains of a classic story in a fun and exciting way. Apparently Ugly takes a look at Cinderella’s “ugly” stepsisters the night after their annoying stepsister had her wish come true. 

Before the show even begins the audience knows that they are in for a treat, with a beautiful set piece mirror that highlights most of the show. From the get-go the lights and sound enrapture the audience sucking them directly into the fairy tale and never letting their attention go. The spectacle of the show is easily one of the things that makes it work so well, yet also the cherry on top of excellent performances.

The majority of the show is ruled by Olga (Hannah McRoche) and Agnes (Amber Hegarty), who take on the roles of the naive and slightly selfish stepsisters with ease. After being told that they are too ugly to remain at home and are banished by their mother (Nicky Douglas, who also serves as the director for the production), the sisters go on a quest to become beautiful. Quickly, they meet their fairy godfather (Elliott Wooster) who sends the girls on a mission to find ingredients for a potion that will make them beautiful. 

The show finds a solid balance between being fun for adults and mostly appropriate for children; some double entendres will fly straight over their heads. Understanding that this is a fairy tale and a family show, the entire cast is a lightning rod of energy, keeping things running at 100% until the final bow. Although some of the pacing could be ironed out, especially around “The Forest of the Frightful” which dragged just a bit, the show overall is incredibly exciting.

Wooster excels in their role as the Godfather, bringing a camp to the character that acts as the foundation that brings the show into the Queer community. It is clear through the show that these characters and stories are meant to be worldly and relatable, but the deeper meaning of finding the beauty within oneself is especially poignant for Queer audiences, and that charge is led by Wooster who embodies that message wholeheartedly. Additionally, Wooster is able to rock several quick changes, playing multiple characters, each with an iconic identity. If it weren’t for the tongue-in-cheek nature of the show wanting you to know they were multiple characters, it’d be hard to tell, because they transform into them so easily.

Douglas slays as the mother, fully adorned in drag. He brings much of the comic relief to the show, especially in his later appearance, breaking the fourth wall and talking directly to the audience.

The stars of the show, of course, are the stepsisters. Hegarty and McRoche have a natural chemistry that makes their sisterhood entirely believable. Their love for one another is clear from the beginning but especially shines later in the show when the girls have learned their lesson along the way. The girls are able to carry the show comically, empathetically, and perhaps most impressive, vocally. 

The music of the production is incredible. Some songs like “Apparently Ugly” are genuinely moving and showcase the impeccable vocal chops of an immensely talented cast, while others like “Beans” bring a fun and bouncy energy to the show. This is one of those musicals that can drive you crazy that it is in development because as soon as a cast recording is available it will easily be on playlists galore. This also gives the show immense rewatchability. Apparently Ugly is a heartwarming, head-bopping, laugh-making romp of an hour. Just like the stepsisters eventually discover about themselves, it is genuinely beautiful.

---