POP OFF, Michelango!, The Other Palace Review

POP OFF, MICHELANGELO! production image. Photo by Steve Ullathorne

Written by Kennedy Jopson for Theatre and Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review

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Renaissance artists Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci were known to be fierce rivals. You could say this was due to artistic differences, but this musical comedy tells how things really popped off between these queer icons.

It's giving Off-Westend gay panic meets Hamilton for a sneaky link. Two gay men, one divine plan. When Michelangelo and Leonardo realize their homosexuality, they decide to seek God’s favour and get in the Pope’s good books to avoid eternal damnation. But how? By becoming the greatest religious artists of all time, “On God. No Cap!”

Pop Off, Michelangelo! and its fabulous cast of six are salacious and comedically delicious. Serving juicy art history deets, pop culture, and musical theatre references. The show starts with an explosive introduction of Brittany Spears-esk choreography, strobe lights, and witty lyricism. Showing writer Dylan MarcAurele knows exactly who their audience is. The plot is clever and believable as besties Mike, played by Max Eade and Leo, played by Aidan MacColl turn bitter rivals in a beautiful arc. Though Leonardo Da Vinci never actually received an education, in this musical, he and Michelangelo attend art school together and support each other with platonic, brotherly love. Developing their distinct artistic practices and learning the ropes of climbing social ranks to surpass their contemporaries. 

Portable ionic columns adorn the stage, giving a sense of classic grandeur and elegance to easily transport the audience through time and keep the set sexy. Successfully suspending our disbelief between the modern and Renaissance world. The staging and costumes were simple, or shall I say, very mindful, very demure. But that doesn't take anything away from this fabulous performance.

Non-stop laughs, masterful storytelling, and charm is what this musical offers! Each member of the cast shines bright with an opportunity to flaunt their skill for embodying character. Paul Toulson is the driving force of raunchy comedy in this show in his camp portrayal of the Pope. Perhaps even more sensational than the King of England in Hamilton, his presence on stage was an anticipated delight each time he arrived with his menthol vape and pouty lips. Lucy Carter was a strong presence and surprisingly sadistic as Friar Savanarola. Maiya Quansah-Breed delivered a fantastic range of comedic accents and the most impressive vocals of the evening as Mother/Heaven-sent actress from the future Marisa Tomei in the song “Pick Me Girl.” Calling out Michelangelo for gaslighting, gatekeeping, and girlbossing his way to the Vatican. 

Each song paints a colorful image of the history and emotions shared between the two intense artists. From pop bangers like “Renaissance Man”, which proudly redefines gender norms; To cutesy ballads like “Drawn To You” where Conn McGirr plays Salai, Leo’s “close friend”. McGirr models with a modest smile as the two sing a sweet duet that makes a controversial queer claim to the beloved Mona Lisa. The soundtrack is so good it's hard to choose a favorite. However, “Networking Event” and its exposure of the cold and greedy realities of the art industry earned the most laughs for its tropes and fun choreography.

Pop Off, Michelangelo! is a proudly queer musical for art lovers, musical theatre adults, and pop girlies alike with a real knack for fun storytelling. With a bigger budget, this production could be chiselled to perfection. However, it’s already worthy of the theatre gods in its current form.

★★★★