“A Riot of Ha-Ha’s, La-La’s and Ta-Da’s” -- that’s how the glitzy, spandex-y, and unrepentantly silly Banana Shpeel is billing itself and you’ll get no argument here. After all, it is the latest show from producer Marty Schmelky, the same entrepreneurial powerhouse who gave the world such hits as Phantom of the Banana; Fiddler on the Banana; The Best Little Banana in Texas; and my personal favorite, Bring in da Noise, Bring in da Banana.
Clearly, when it comes to going bananas, Schmelky knows his stuff, and Banana Shpeel is nothing if not his stuff -- stuff that, when put together, offers audiences a mind-boggling collection of slapstick comedy, eclectic dance and acrobatic acts from around the world.
As for Banana Shpeel writer/director David Shiner, he started out as a mime in Paris and went on to team up with Bill Irwin to create the wordless two-man show Fool Moon that picked up numerous prizes, including a Tony Award. And FYI: Shiner directed his first Cirque du Soleil production, the big top touring show KOOZA. Banana Shpeel is currently playing through August 29th at the Beacon Theatre. For tickets, click here.
Banana Shpeel: All Showbiz, All Schmelky
About the Author
City Guide Theatre Editor Griffin Miller moved to New York to pursue an acting/writing career in the 1980s after graduating magna cum laude from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Since then, she has written for The New York Times, For the Bride, Hotels, and a number of other publications, mostly in the areas of travel and performance arts. An active member of The New York Travel Writers Association, she is also a playwright and award-winning collage artist. In addition, she sits on the board of The Lewis Carroll Society of North America. Griffin is married to Richard Sandomir, a reporter for The New York Times.New York City Activities
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