Vertigo Theatrics prepares for ‘Forbidden Broadway’

In preparing for Vertigo Theatric's March production of Forbidden Broadway, Director Ted Valley has selected 12 cast members from a variety of different acting backgrounds. The musical, which will begin March 18, is a parody of a collection of musicals from The Phantom of The Opera to Rent. Forbidden Broadway will be a part of their traditional dinner theater series held at the Masonic Temple.

"It's really like Weird Al Yankovic meets Broadway," Valley said. "The writers take songs from famous broadway shows and they change the words."

Although Vertigo originally started by producing plays, it began producing musicals six years ago.  Valley said, "Music theater is just another facet of theater that people like to have."

Vertigo Theatrics first began in 1997. Although Valley's academic career was in business, he has been involved in many theater groups over the years, including the Flint Youth Theatre and the Flint Community Players. He started Vertigo to be able to do something fun in his spare time. He has been an actor for 26 years and a director for 20.

Valley said opportunities for actors vary on many levels. Typically, Vertigo likes to select actors that have been involved with the group in the past, but exceptions can be made.

"It's not like we haven't pulled people that haven't had experience and put them up on our stage," Valley said. "We've had all sorts of different people performing for us."

Actors from Vertigo Theatrics warmed up for their Thursday night rehearsal with a series of vocal exercises, including repeating the word "money" in song. Because of the variety of the musical, actors are cast to play several roles. Actors meet Monday through Thursday for rehearsals.

For cast member Dan Romzek, this will be his first Vertigo Theatrics production.  Although he hadn't acted in several years, he went to open tryouts in hopes of landing a role.

"I'm really excited about it," Romzek said. "It's always an opportunity to meet new people. Every show has a different cast."

Heather Durham, who played Velma Kelly in Vertigo's production of Chicago, said she prepares for her roles by taking dancing classes and singing to the CD of the show in her car.  "It helps if you already know the songs," she said.

Showings for Forbidden Broadway run March 18, 19, 20, 26, 27 and 28.  Dinner theater tickets are $40 prepaid and $45 at the door. Call 239-7469 for more information.