The time honored, uniquely American form of entertainment known as the Broadway musical has flourished for over a century, providing generations of audiences with indelible musical moments, cherished memories and classic compositions known around the world. Given this esteemed position in the lexicon of popular culture, is it any wonder the time might come for someone to take a pot shot at the overwhelming popularity of it all?

Enter the inestimable parody talents of GERARD ALESSANDRINI and his stroke of genius in creating one of the most hilarious, ribald poke-of-fun at the musical classics we‘ve come to know and love best. Nothing (and no one) is so sacred as to not be given their comical comeuppance in a show that prides itself on just how cleverly ignoble the noble can be portrayed, yet all in good, reverential glee.

In the same inherent tradition of the genre it mocks, the Broadway musical form, FORBIDDEN BROADWAY, the 25th Anniversary Edition is invading the local theatre scene when it arrives at the Portland Center for the Performing Arts Dolores Winningstad Theatre. Performances are scheduled for September 17-19 at 8:00 P.M. and on Sunday, September 20 with two performances at 2:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M. The simplicity of only 4 supremely gifted actor/singer/dancers with piano accompanist is all it takes to demonstrate how the musical mighty can be mutilated.

The side-splitting savagery of FORBIDDEN BROADWAY has been on the road perennially for some time now. Currently celebrating it’s record-breaking 27th year in New York, the show’s presenters JOHN FREEDSON and HARRIET YELLIN have worked diligently with creator Alessandrini to keep the crop of musical capers current and recognizable. This year’s special victims include the puppets of ‘Avenue Q”, the witches of “Wicked”, Billy Joel’s Movin Out”, and new looks at old favorites “La Cage Aux Folles”, Little Shop of Horrors”, “Les Miz”, “Beauty and the Beast” and “Chicago”. Rounding out the laughs are Mel Brooks’ “The Producers”, Abba’s “Mamma Mia” and “Thorough Modern Millie”; with lots more Broadway past and present. The enduring appeal of this perennial favorite with its’ wicked, wicked ways is part of a national tour presented by Freedson and Yellin and is being locally produced by Los Angeles based REACTION PRODUCTIONS.

FORBIDDEN BROADWAY is the recipient of an Obie Award, the Outer Critics Circle Award, and the 2005 Drama Desk Award for Best Off Broadway Musical. In 2006, Forbidden Broadway took home a Tony honor for excellence in theatre.

“Gleeful, Malicious and Hilarious…murderous good fun!” declares the Associated Press.

“Terrific! The most satisfying and freshest Forbidden Broadway in years!” says the New York Times.

“There’s a very real chance you could die laughing!” warns TalkinBroadway.com

“There’s no Broadway like Forbidden Broadway!” raves Entertainment Weekly.

“Hilarious! It’s a Forbidden pleasure!” proclaims the New York Post

“Even if you’ve never been within 1000 miles of New York City, you’ll still love Forbidden Broadway!” says the Boca Raton News.

Run time: 1 hour and 45 minutes (including one intermission)