Theatre Review: Broadway Bounty Hunter IS ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS
Ageism is a real thing, but of all the prejudices it goes unchecked because it feels like the least “problematic” one. I have remarked, on countless occasions, how the youth are seen as “too pretty” or “inexperienced” to be wise and how the elderly are seen as “too experienced” to be beautiful or “fresh.” Thus, the miracle of Broadway Bounty Hunter is that it is one of THE FUNNEST musicals you will see and the warmest in showing you are never too old to be new.
Playing at The Greenhouse Theater, this off-broadway musical deserves every award. The music and book by Joe Iconis is pure fun and echoes the smooth stylings of the 70’s. This is perfect because, in some ways, that is where Annie Golden’s “Annie” feels trapped. The “fading star” is a well-known concept; the actress or actor who loses more leading roles as they gain more wrinkles. Golden is magnificent as Annie; a sweet, Broadway star who can’t let go of the stage she loves but is finding it harder to be let on. She embodies how a soul gets fresher with time even if a body grows slower. Her exuberant personality and vibrant voice turn this musical into a fabulous character piece, and elaborates how foolish people are to undermine the power of a good heart.
Broadway Bounty Hunter Trailer
Broadway Bounty Hunter is rampant with people/ characters who doubt Annie is a star now that she is older. Yet, it is when she becomes a Bounty Hunter that the audience/ the world learns a true star never fades. With action sequences abound and a villain with a “bitch is back” flare, Brad Oscar’s Mac Roundtree, Broadway Bounty Hunter shines because of its outlandishness and its exceptional cast’s dedication to making it seem normal. I, literally, smile as I think of the many “laugh out loud” moments and rich voices that serenade audiences for 2 hours and 15 minutes, including intermission. Songs such as, “Spin Those Records” and “Veins” are gorgeous, empowering, and honest in how women can feel faded behind the shadow of their man’s accolades or their younger years’ heightened admiration as “living dolls.”
When the audience finds Annie she has already lost her husband, is about to lose her electricity, and can’t get work. She is alone and “old,” of which Emily Borromeo’s Shiro Jin and Alan H. Green’s Lazarus remind her to be alive is to still be opportune. Borromeo is pure elegance as Jin, and Green is hilarious and richly voiced as Lazarus. Each cast member gives so many layers to their characters, who despite being funny, have suffered their tragedies. Ensemble members Jared Joseph, Badia Farha, Jasmine Forsberg, Christina Sarjous, and Omar Garibay are a phenomenal chorus of revolving characters that have depth, even if their characters are only brought to life for seconds.The talent oozes from every scene; allowing the small stage to feel bigger.
Directed and choreographed by Jennifer Warner, with scenic design by Michael Schweikardt, Broadway Bounty Hunter may be located on 27 Barrow Street, but its feels ready-made for Times Square. Moreover, it gives commentary to how over-worked and even abusive the labor world of the entertainment industry can be. The premise literally has Annie on a global hunt for a drug dealer selling, “Fierce,” to broadway babies eager to do 15 shows a week. Trust me, there are Broadway investor that dream of such a chance. Yet, the heart of Broadway Bounty Hunter, is how it celebrates valuing yourself enough to not take the worthlessness of cruel others. For More Information On Broadway Bounty Hunter Click Here.
