Home / Arts and Entertainment / Amber Ruffin's 'Bigfoot!': Campy Musical Hits NYC
Amber Ruffin's 'Bigfoot!': Campy Musical Hits NYC
2 Mar
Summary
- Musical features a charming, misunderstood Bigfoot with a stealth charisma.
- The show playfully critiques capitalism, climate crisis, and discrimination.
- It uses a pastiche of musical styles and B-movie vibes for humor.
The new musical "Bigfoot!" centers on a charming, misunderstood creature with luxurious fur, brought to life with unhinged charisma by Grey Henson. Directed by Danny Mefford, the show embraces B-movie vibes and goofiness, portraying Bigfoot as an outcast targeted by ignorance and greed. The musical, which opened on Sunday at New York City Center Stage I, features a humble Bigfoot who desires a human life.
Set in "1980-something" in Muddirt, the musical cleverly incorporates tropes from cult sci-fi films and TV sitcoms. The story escalates when a cartoon-villain mayor scapegoats Bigfoot to distract from his own corruption, initiating a manhunt. The show's progressive themes, including critiques of inept politicians, the climate crisis, and capitalism, are delivered with a light, quick touch.
The music, a buoyant pastiche of styles from doo-wop to heavy metal, complements Amber Ruffin's witty lyrics and Kevin Sciretta's script. The production's scrappy comedy ethos, reminiscent of other Off-Broadway successes, focuses on maximizing a simple concept with ingenuity. "Bigfoot!" runs for 90 minutes and includes numerous physical gags and silly punchlines.
