Don’t Stop Believin’ in the Gods: Bash of the Titans Rocks freeFall Theatre
by Maggie Duffy
There’s a party going on at freeFall Theatre, a celebration to last throughout the millennia. Bash of the Titans, an “Unauthorized Parody Party” takes playful aim at the 1981 film, Clash of the Titans. Based on the Greek myth of Perseus, it’s a 75-minute romp through the trifles of the gods with a dash of awesome mythological beasts. In short, it’s rad.
Bash came from a brainstorm between McGee (who plays Zeus and Ammon), artistic director Eric Davis and music director Michael Raabe. The Gen X trio bonded over their shared nostalgia for the film and felt it was perfect to spoof for a summer show. All three collaborated on the book and lyrics, Raabe made the musical arrangements and Davis directed the show.
It’s set to a 1980s pop soundtrack — which is cleverly “legally distinct,” McGee said — because the lyrics have been changed to the show’s dialogue. It’s an efficient and highly entertaining way to move the action along.
In the opening scene, the fourth wall is broken, making a show-within-a-show moment that sets the tone. There are also some references to the film, which had an incredible cast that included Maggie Smith, Harry Hamlin, Burgess Meredith and Laurence Olivier.
Avery Anderson
It’s a good idea to brush up on your Greek mythology so that following along this fast-paced show is maximized and you can just revel in the comedy, music and performances.
Here are the basics: Perseus (Taylor Harley), the son of Zeus (Matthew McGee), grew up on a deserted island after being banished by his grandfather, King Acriscius of Argos, with his mother after Zeus impregnated her. In revenge, Zeus orders Poseidon (Victor E. Chan) to release the Kraken, a tentacled sea monster that is the last of the Titans, to destroy Argos.
Years later, sea goddess Thetis (Heather Baird), is pissed because her son Calibos (Chan) has been turned into a hideous monster after he destroyed Zeus’ flying horses (except one).
Calibos is betrothed to Princess Andromeda (Kathlynn Rodin), daughter of Queen Cassiopeia (Kissy Simmons), but Andromeda is imprisoned under a spell. Jealous of Perseus’ favor by Zeus, Thetis tries to exact revenge by sending him on a nearly impossible mission to rescue Andromeda, resulting in a battle (that happens offstage, as is Greek theater tradition) with Calibos.
No spoilers, but Athena, Ammon and Aphrodite and Medusa make appearances, as do the Kraken and Pegasus.
The cast of "Bash of the Titans" at freeFall Theatre in St. Petersburg, Fla. The original musical production is an unauthorized 1980s pop parody of the 1981 film "Clash of the Titans." (Photo by Thee Photo Ninja)
Raabe’s arrangements — played live by an incredible band — that mash up 80s anthems by Journey, Heart and Christopher Cross, to name a few, are excellent and delivered with power by the stellar cast. The result is a soundtrack you’d want to listen to on repeat.
Chan delivers with a Jack Black-like rock swagger. Baird plays petty with shameless glee. Rodin’s soaring voice was built for these 80s anthems. Harley brought surprising funk and soul on the Rockwell song, “Somebody’s Watching Me.” Vocal powerhouse Simmons is as captivating to watch as she is to hear.
McGee pointed out that he gets to play the roles that Burgess Meredith (Ammon) and Laurence Olivier (Zeus) played in the movie. The inimitable actor makes each part his own.
The level of production that freeFall brings to its intimate space continues to be impressive as new solutions come with every new show. Costumes, wigs, the set, props, lighting and sound all get five stars.
Most exciting is that with Bash, freeFall has created another original production that could travel anywhere and make its hometown proud.
Bash of the Titans.Through Aug. 2. Freefall Theatre, 6099 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-498-5205. freefalltheatre.com.