KHAN!!! THE MUSICAL! Show Review by Robin Gorman Newman

When I heard that Peekskill Productions is presenting the world premiere production of KHAN!!! THE MUSICAL!: A Parody Trek-tacular, I had to take my Star Trek-loving husband.

It is 2366, and Data the Android presents his campy musical adaptation of The Wrath of Khan. In this sci-fi send-up, an older Captain Kirk is experiencing a “coming of middle age” story when his nemesis Khan escapes exile and vows revenge. The show is off  ‘n running from there, leading to an adventure that includes Vulcan tap dancing, Kirk’s long-lost son (a William Shatner impersonator), including mutant space chickens!

The production stars  Zachary Kropp (returning to the stage after being honorably discharged from the US Air Force) as Khan, Julian Manjerico (Beppo the Clown in A Man Called Otto opposite Tom Hanks) as Data, Clayton Matthews as Sulu/Chekov, Lindsey M.E. Newton (Soviet Rebel Girl – BMI Workshop & 54 Below concert) as Bones/Scotty, Max Nusbaum (John Wilkes Booth in Assassins – St. Jeans Theatre/ Applause) as Spock, Crystal Marie Stewart (Judas Iscariot in Ring of Keys’ Queering the Canon: Andrew Lloyd Webber concert – Joe’s Pub) as Uhura/Carol Marcus, Shyaporn Theerakulstit (Lt. Hikaru Sulu on the long-running fan series, Star Trek: New Voyages Phase II) as Kirk, and Laura Whittenberger (three-time nominee “Broadway World Best Performer in a Musical”) as Saavik.

The show is co-written, composed, and lyrics by Brent Black, co-conceived and additional materials by Alina Morgan, musical direction by Nicholas Kaminski, choreography by Angel Reed, and directed by John Lampe.

The production features scenic design by Ivey Jenkins-Long, lighting design by Melissa Shawcross, and costume design by Jolene Richardson.

The talented, versatile, hardworking cast is truly rockstar!  And, there was even some mean tap dancing!!

Clever and fun, with lots of insider gags.  You don’t have to be a Trekkie to get a kick out of this show, but it helps!  My husband was totally jazzed, and I enjoyed watching his excitement!  Some audience members came decked in costume, displaying their devotion, and they totally ate up the performance!

KHAN!!! THE MUSICAL is playing a five-week limited engagement at Off-Broadway’s Players Theatre (115 MacDougal St, New York, NY). Performances began Thursday, May 4, and continue through Sunday, June 4. Tickets are $25-$65 and are available at www.khaniscoming.com or at the box office.  Running time: 2:15 with intermission.