Nathan Cuckow (left) and Chris Craddock in BASH'd!

Credit: David Morgan

Web Exclusive review: Theory of Queer

BASH'd an unabashed smash

At first glance, the idea of a proudly queer (and notably Canadian) boy-meets-boy musical wrapped in a non-stop hip hop framework seems like the oddest combination since Hedwig was left with that angry inch—but, just as John Cameron Mitchell shattered conventions with his lovable punk rock drag queen, so too does BASH'd triumph over audience expectations by creating a winning production that is as entertaining as it is educational and enlightening. Deservedly feted since its inception in 2006—including being one of the best-reviewed Off Broadway shows in the past 10 years—BASH'd should be considered mandatory viewing for anyone who thinks  queer content and hip hop have no place on mainstream stages . . . or indeed, society.

Tightly written and athletically performed by Chris Craddock and Nathan Cuckow (as, respectively, rappers T-BAG and Feminem), this one-hour musical—and it is a musical, no question about that, it just happens to be a full-on hip hop production in the same vein as past Fringe hit Job: The Hip Hop Musical—tells your basic Romeo-meets-Romeo story, with all the inherent romance and tragedy that implies. (There's even a clever nod to the Bard in the prologue, when they're explaining the rules of rap: "It's a lot like Shakespeare, you just have to tune your ear.") But those with sensitive minds be warned: not only does BASH'd offer a terrifically tasty mix of beats and rhymes, it serves it all up with some devastatingly frank lyrics; if you don't know anything about queer culture going in, it's a safe bet you will coming out. And if you're already a loud and proud member of the gay community, be prepared to laugh at yourself (especially when T-Bag and Feminem deconstruct a gay bar's clientele) . . . and choke back a tear when the meaning of the title comes clear.    

Seamlessly directed by Ron Jenkins (The Black Rider)—note how the actors occasionally transpose the side-characters without missing a beat—and elegantly performed with disarming charm by Craddock and Cuckow, BASH'd easily punches its weight in a queer musical ring that includes the likes of Falsettoland, La Cage aux Folles, Hedwig, Naked Boys Singing, Closer to Heaven, Taboo and many others. With hardly any breathing space between Aaron Macri's cleverly self-referential (and undeniably catchy) musical numbers, BASH'd is an emotional powerhouse that is, at various times, hilarious, sexy, intelligent, sweet, moving, shocking, tragic and always surprising. If a piece of theatre could ever change anyone's attitude, this could be it; more than just a great show, BASH'd packs a powerful social message that deserves to be heard by as wide an audience as possible. As T-Bag and Feminem shout out, "Think about out there while you're in here."

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BASH'd!
(part of the Spark Festival)
8pm nightly to March 14
4pm March 14
2pm March 15
Belfry Threatre Mainstage, 1291 Gladstone
Tickets $10-$20 250-385-6815
belfry.bc.ca