Masquerade
Playing until Sunday, 31 January 2027
I am definitely not a Phantom of the Opera fan. Andrew Lloyd Webber is at his best in this musical, with its rock opera numbers that are larger than life and accompanied by burping pyrotechnics. In yet another example of ALW revisiting some of his greatest hits Masquerade I was surprised. An immersive theatrical experience à la Sleep No More The experience of being right at the center of Christine and Phantom’s torturous dynamic changed my skepticism to understanding. The masked ball and the comic relief characters of the musical in the opera dressing rooms made me fall into the extravagant extravagance. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the show is the stage management between multiple floors and sets—they really made an immaculately run, fully realized world from the sandbox of an abandoned art supply store. I would encourage everyone to go and see the show. Phantom Fans and those who are open to conversion should come to see the show (pyrotechnics, stage fog). You can also read about how to get in touch with us. Be cool) though those of us who are a little queasy should be warned that a segment of the show features a human blockhead. —Kat Chen, editorial assistant, destinations
Matthew Murphy
Heated Rivalry, The Unauthorized Music Parody
Playing all day Sunday, November 1, 2018.
Feeling bereft that we won’t see a season 2 of Heated Rivalry It’s 2027. This unauthorized musical parody may not be the same, but it is the perfect hero for the fans during the hiatus. I’ll confess—I did not watch Heated RivalryThe fact that the first season is told through three moms named Susan is a testament to how well this musical works. This 75-minute musical is a retelling through the eyes of three jaded moms who are all named Susan. It features earworms, a few puppets, as well as an old family recipe known as “Ambien Margarita.” Off-Broadway’s format allows for the deep, NSFW humor to be explored, while its smaller venue in Chelsea’s Culture Club provides plenty of good seats. This show is for gay hockey players who have big butts. —K.C.
Matthew Murphy
