Adam and Eve, the devil, Sarah Palin and a very regal George W. Bush coalesce at the Bartell Theatre in the brand-new musical comedy “Blasphemy.” The show, a Bartell Theatre fundraiser incorporating all six of its operating theatre companies, is a cheeky look at conservative politics, religion and ’70s dance crazes that hopes to strike a balance between flippant and substantive.
“Blasphemy” is the latest effort from the collaborative husband-and-wife team of Catherine Capellaro and Andrew Rohn, who have brought Madison a series of dramatic works, most recently the off-Broadway success “Walmartopia.”
The production is a trio of musicals — “Rapture,” “Purgatory” and “Paradise” — loosely structured on the model of Dante’s “Divine Comedy.” “Rapture,” set in the near future, details the reign of King George W. Bush and his gang of conservative buddies as they anticipate the return of Jesus Christ. “Purgatory,” billed as the first disco musical, examines a soul whose only hope of salvation is to successfully organize a disco choir for a divine concert. Lastly, in “Paradise,” Adam and Eve investigate and debate the merits of evolutionary and creationist theories, with hilarious implications. Through “Blasphemy,” Capellaro and Rohn display their own political and social preferences, unapologetically criticizing neoconservatives and Christian fundamentalists. But the goal is fun rather than alienation.
“Some people could be offended. For the most part, the show is lighthearted and irreverent, with an edge. I think audiences will be pleasantly surprised at how kindly we treat spiritual searchers, like Eve, who would like to talk to God, but doesn’t understand what that means. We make fun of Christian extremists who offend us with their hateful anti-woman, anti-gay philosophies. There are some goofy exaggerations in our show, but none as offensive as their equating of homosexuality with bestiality, for example,” Capellaro explained in her official press release.
But the play extends beyond petty partisan name-calling. For the writers, the play is an examination of several key divergences in the social and political fabric of America. “‘Paradise’ takes aim at creationism, which is enjoying a resurgence worldwide at the moment, so we think it’s a great time to discuss it,” wrote the pair in an interview. “Blasphemy” also explores a lighter topic, the couple’s lifelong love of disco. “We love disco! And we’re not ashamed of it,” the couple said. “We play in a disco band called V05, where we revive some fine disco tunes.”
And while the Bush administration is coming to an end, creators Capellaro and Rohn are not worried about the relevance of lambasting the beleaguered regime.
“It’s going to be a long, long time before we forget how badly George W. and his cronies screwed up this country and the world. I think audiences will enjoy a good laugh at their expense and enjoy seeing Bush, Palin and Cheney performing the ‘Rapture Checklist’ as they recount all they’ve done to hasten Jesus’ second coming,” the two writers said.
When asked if they have any sympathy for our exiting president, both writers made their opinions quite clear.
“Bush seemed to exhibit a little humbleness in a recent interview, when he back-pedaled from his earlier statement implying that he was chosen by God to be the president. He’s likable in some ways. But no, they all have an unbelievable amount of blood on their hands. They have done their part to create hell on earth,” they said.
If you’re worried such heavy-handed politics may become tiresome, fear not. The show promises to be a light and whimsical vehicle for such weighty material.
“What I really appreciate about what we do is the balance between silliness and sincerity. I think we create a mixture that is uniquely satisfying,” Rohn said.
If “Blasphemy” can navigate between satire and substance, it should produce the fun and illuminating evening writers Capellaro and Rohn intend. As oft-discussed as they may be, with Bush, disco music and creationism as tinder, the duo seems poised to light a fire of comedy in the midst of another cold Madison winter.
“Blasphemy!” runs at the Bartell Theatre from Jan. 9 through Jan. 31 every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. There will also be a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Jan. 18. Tickets are free, but a $15 donation is suggested. For tickets and other info call (608) 661-9696.
