Watching The Unauthorized Musical Parody of The Devil Wears Prada
Word to the wise. When you park in a random lot make sure you don’t leave room for someone to park directly behind you. That way you won’t be stuck for two hours shivering in the cold hoping the owner of that dang Pathfinder would just show up so you can leave and catch a musical comedy.
Needless to say, I was a little late for the press preview of The Unauthorized Musical Parody of The Devil Wears Prada. Luckily, I was familiar with the film and the show was so funny that I still had a wonderful time.
Rockwell: Table & Stage is the home of this musical parody. I’d long heard of Rockwell, nestled in the heart of Los Feliz, but this was my first visit to the spot. What a fun place! Part restaurant part theater it’s an intimate venue the places you in the heart of the action. Quite literally. The performance takes over the entire space and the actors perform around (and sometimes on top) of you.
Now, if you’re unfamiliar with the plot of The Devil Wears Prada it’s the tale of a mousy college grad who lands a position as the assistant of a high powered, high demanding fashion editor. Soon her life turns topsy turvy and she needs to decided between her new high powered life and the low key life she left behind. The original film starred Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep and was most definitely NOT a musical.
Rockwell’s version stars a variety of improv pros including Kelley Jakle and the always entertaining Drew Droege (as Miranda Priestly). The game cast acts their hearts out through the fast paced plot while handling quick wardrobe changes and song and dance numbers with aplomb. Speaking of the songs the show features a variety of top hits strategically placed at key moments of the plot. Though most songs were released well after the film they fit the story as though they always belonged.
The Unauthorized Musical Parody of The Devil Wears Prada was loads of fun. The time flew by and by the end I had completely forgotten my earlier parking issue. I laughed a ton and can’t wait to see the next film parodied at Rockwell Table & Stage.