50 Shades! The Musical at the Elektra

EL James’s best-selling erotic novel 50 Shades of Grey is clearly an easy target for potential satire. 50 Shades! The Musical – The Original Parody, which is playing at the Elektra Theater, handily delivers the goods. The show is more stimulating then you would expect, tickling Fifty Shades virgins and critics alike – although sincere fans may leave upset. 

Unless you live under a rock – or are handcuffed to a bed – you’ve heard of the record-breaking trilogy and most likely understand the premise. The nudity is PG compared to the novel, but the lyrics are rated R. The musical, directed by Al Samuels and Rob Lindley, is packed with references to various practices and orifices. The costumes include tacky suburban wear, glittery church-like robes and all-purpose leather wear. 

Filthy and funny, the plot traces the familiar tale of domination and liberation as seen through the eyes of the oh-so innocent Anastasia Steele and the rich and kinky Christian Grey. Grey is a hulk (not hunk) compared to the Christian Grey we’re use to from the novel. 

The show’s framing device is a trio of unfulfilled middle-aged women – one who rocks serious mom jeans – reading about and getting increasingly turned on by the naughty exploits of the novel. A duo of physically intimidating and scantily clad male dancers dressed in leather add the sexy to the plot. Let’s not forget the always-drunk and disheveled Katherine Kavanagh and Elliot Grey. 

The show runs an ironic 69 minutes and contains nods to The Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables. Obviously, the book itself gave the musical’s creators a long leash to work with, but the show is very creative. Whether you’ve read the book or not, you’ll be shocked, and at times delighted, by what you see and hear. If you’re into BDSM (Best Damn Songs and Music) then this show is a must. 

Rebecca Zisk 

50 Shades! The Musical is on at the Elektra Theatre till 6^th September 2015, for further information or to book visit visit here.

Watch a scene from 50 Shades! The Musical here: