Bjorn Again and Forbidden Broadway at The Mahaiwe
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Bjorn Again is one of Australia’s greatest musical exports and the most successful tribute band of all time. They’re so successful that their longevity trumps that of the original ABBA and there are five Bjorn Again troupes performing around the world. Playing on the name of original ABBA member Bjorn Ulvaeus, Bjorn Again first performed their light-hearted send-up of ABBA at The Tote, a small pub in Melbourne in 1989.
Faithful to ABBA’s music and humorous in their portrayal of the original ABBA members, the group sings magnificently, dresses in campy mid-70s and early 80s garb, and speaks to one another and the audience in faux-Swedish accents. Long-time ABBA session musicians Rutger Sonofagunn (bass guitar) and Ola Drumkitt (drums) round out the group.
The Tony Award-winning satirical revue Forbidden Broadway has been lampooning theatrical performances since 1982. Written and directed by Gerard Alessandrini and Phillip George, Forbidden Broadway shows no mercy to the best and worst show tunes, characters and plots from current productions. No one escapes the shows sharp wit, from Broadway actors and writers to composers, directors, choreographers, and producers. With its intoxicatingly funny lines and entertaining references to old favorites, the show is a pleasure for anyone who enjoys musical comedy—whether they are up on the latest Broadway shows or not.
Mr. Alessandrini has stated that he takes pleasure in spoofing serious and substantial shows like Spring Awakening (whose composer, Duncan Sheik, played The Mahaiwe last year) and the works of Stephen Sondheim. In addition to the creators of Forbidden Broadway winning their 2006 special Tony Award for Excellence in Theatre, their 25th anniversary production, Forbidden Broadway: Rude Awakening, won the 2008 Drama Desk Award for outstanding revue with a cast recording. The group has released eight albums to great critical response.The Mahaiwe is located in historic downtown Great Barrington, MA, at 14 Castle Street, across from Town Hall. Tickets are available for Bjorn Again and Forbidden Broadway, online at www.mahaiwe.org and through the Mahaiwe Box Office at 413-528-0100. Members of “Friends of the Mahaiwe” receive $5.00 discounts per ticket. The Mahaiwe Box Office is open Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 6pm and three hours prior to all show times.
