Robot Monster the Musical

Robot Monster is one of the best “bad movies”, so it would make sense to turn this into a musical! Some of the best and funniest musicals I’ve seen have been based on bad/cult/B movies. Robot Monster The Musical follows this with 90 minutes of hilarity, camp, and playfulness. This had me laughing and smiling throughout the show. The cast was great and really played their parts up. Roy (played by Andrew Villarreal) who had the macho, 50’s type, man’s man, down to a T (I’m surprised I didn’t see a sparkle from his teeth every time he’d smile). Any time you have adults playing children is a recipe for awesome. The two “children” (played by Dana Deruyck and Stephanie Thomas) were having so much fun playing the part that it was contagious. And... full review

There are a few too many musical numbers, and the show hews too closely to the original film’s moldy plot when it has such an opportunity for higher camp.... full review

This production, directed by Derek Long (who also provides the voice of Ro-Man, XJ2, could use a little pruning, as it is too long for the story.  The show does have its moments, such as every scene involving little Johnny (Dana DeRuyck), but could use a little more structure, especially for those of us not familiar with the movie.  ... full review

Look, if you know the stunningly bad – but oddly endearing – cult movie this is based on, then you know you are in for a goofy experience. Embracing horror movie stereotypes, playful and sweet, this is a piece of light-hearted camp that strikes the perfect tone of loving parody. Overall, I think this production could stand to pick up the pace and perhaps be shortened just a bit, but those are small concerns. The cast is the strength here, in my opinion, deftly mining the oddball material for some big laughs. (My personal favorite moment? One character dies but manages to bring one last big laugh with their changing of the set.) ... full review

If you're a fan of bad sci-fi films, this play will give that to you straight up without any commentary. Otherwise, this play will not be to your liking as the plot makes no sense, the romance angle creepy AF, and the musical just dragging in terms of pace.... full review