See "Real Men Sing Show Tunes: Actors' Playhouse Presents the Manliest of Puppet Shows."
Juggling balls, fraternity, and lesbian porn. It's the little things that make men happy.
The three-man, multi-puppet musical dispelled myths of manhood in a lighthearted bro-style manner. Written and performed by Paul Louis and Nick Santa Maria, the show follows a man, played by Stephen G. Anthony, who's forgotten exactly what it means to be just that. The three melodically take a page from the "Book of More Men" (har har) to show us the steps to becoming one.
The events of the evening proved strange, as puppets with thyroid problems graced the stage and performers treated the audience to songs like "I'm Not Gay." The actors touched on everything pertinent to being a guy: public latrine etiquette with a manly pee pee dance; douchebag-loving women; marriage and losing your balls; dealing with assassin spawn. You know, just a few of the basics of being a sir.
Stereotypes aside, the guys turned what could have been a cheesy, sexist disaster into a brilliant comedic performance. In sketch after sketch, Louis, Santa Maria, and Anthony deliver harmonies, slapstick, and physical comedy while managing to instill manly life lessons to both the guys and gals in the audience.
As silly as the trio gets, there are heartfelt moments sprinkled throughout the production. Whether it was scenes dealing with growing old or those regarding a new-found sense of appreciation for parenthood, we spotted some teary-eyed gentlemen in the audience -- and that was more than OK, thanks to one particular sketch that addressed the embrace of man's sensitive side.
Louis, Santa Maria, and Anthony had everyone in good spirits; admittedly, a sense of youthful nostalgia and smiles graced the faces of onlookers. The crowd was predominantly mature in age, though not in attitude, and provided no shortage of laughter. Some couples canoodled in their seats as they waited for the show to begin, and spent intermission swapping saliva like teenagers in a corner. Kinda freaky, but it gives us hope for our later years.
"You know the Vagina Monologues? This is the equivalent for the man's version, so let's go with it and embrace it and give them their to do.... For me it was really fun," said spectator Joyce Lowry of the production.
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