“Kragtar! is one of the silliest musicals you’ve ever seen. It’s sort of like a combination of your classic musical theater [style] like Rodgers and Hammerstein, but it’s a monster story,” said Chris J Handley, director of Kragtar! The American Monster Musical is onstage from April 21 – May 13 at Alleyway Theatre.
This campy and zany musical adventure was written by Kyle Wilson (music, lyrics, and co-book) and Sam French (co-book) is having its regional premiere at The Alleyway Theatre in downtown Buffalo this week.
“The music is so great… Kyle wrote some really great music and it just sticks with you, and they’re songs that you can’t stop singing and can’t stop humming,” shared Handley. “And so I think that’s what initially drew me to it.”
The plot of Kragtar! The American Monster Musical from the Alleyway website is as follows:
An ancient prophecy is coming true just in time for another government shutdown as a Godzilla-esque monster appears, leaving America in its wake of blood, tears, and trampled Chick-Fil-As. Scientists and former lovers Harry and Harvey must reunite to save the country—and maybe rekindle their love, too—as they face the dreaded Kragtar in battle. Unbeknownst to our heroes, however, there may be a far greater monster lurking in the shadows, ready to swallow America whole.
Handley has assembled some of the strongest talent in Buffalo to bring Kragtar to life. “I’m so impressed with this cast. They are working so hard. They are so talented. [Everyday] They are bringing new jokes and hilarious things to the story and are so good at it… that’s something that really is sticking with me in rehearsals. They’re just bringing it every day, and everybody gets a star moment and that’s what I love about [this show].”
Handley hopes Kragtar! resonates with Buffalonians, “If you need a laugh, this is the show for you. It’s not serious theater.”
“This season at Alleyway has been about people trying to find and discover themselves, including Kragtar! because two scientists are trying to find and discover themselves but along the way, they’re fighting this Godzilla-like monster with these Sunday school kids at a Chick-fil-A because that’s where the monster is attacking. In summation, Handley laughed,
“It’s just nonsense. It’s silly, happy nonsense.”
Kragtar! The American Monster Musical
Alleyway Theatre
1 Curtain Up Alley
Buffalo, NY 14202
April 21 – May 13
7:30 evening, 3:30 Matinee
$30-$42
This production contains (hilariously) mature subject matter and is not recommended for children.
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