Two Actors Sing and Dance Entire Ensemble in Parody Musical About Gutenberg
Red Scare’s final show of 2018 is the off-Broadway parody musical Gutenberg! The Musical! Two deeply enthusiastic
musical theatre fans Bud and Doug (played by Kevin Orlando and Charlie Potter respectively) have written their first
show, Gutenberg! The Musical! and are pitching it to an audience of producers and Hollywood bigwigs aka you! While not
staying exactly true to the historical events of Johannes Gutenberg, they’ve certainly made it a lot more exciting, he
now has a girlfriend called Helvetica and there’s a mad monk set on destroying the printing press!
Gutenberg! The Musical! is a hilarious spoof of musical theatre conventions, a high-octane performance for two virtuosic comedians who must
juggle dozens of roles simultaneously, a heart-warming underdog story and a celebration of friendship.
The show was created by Scott Brown and Anthony King, two members of the New York improv and comedy troupe Upright
Citizens Brigade, premiered in London in 2006 and then ran Off-Broadway for five months in 2006-2007. It received
glowing reviews and was nominated for an Outer Critics Circle Award and a Drama Desk Award.
Kevin Orlando plays Bud, the composer of Gutenberg!. Well versed in musical theatre, Orlando has been in a number of Wellington productions including Heathers, 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee, Flatline with two Sugars and most recently Chess. “I’d never heard of this show before, but when I learned that it was a two person cast I was intrigued” says Orlando.
“[I] listened to the soundtrack straight away [and] instantly fell in love with Bud and Doug as goofy, earnest duo.”
Charlie Potter plays Doug, the librettist of Gutenberg!. Charlie has performed in King Lear, The Merry Wives of Windsor and Mr. Foote’s Other Leg. “I fell in love with how silly this musical was straight away” Potter says, “Despite coming up with a play that’s more
than a little dumb and incredibly misguided, the two main characters have an enviable naivety that gives this musical a
heart.”
The play will be performed at Newtown Community and Cultural Centre and Director Cassandra Tse was very specific in
choosing the venue as the hub for Bud and Doug’s unbridled joy. “This show is about celebrating earnestness and
enthusiasm. Newtown Community Centre and Cultural Centre is a venue that is unabashed in its love for the community
which is perfect for this kind of show.” Tse lived in Newtown for many years and wants to make the show as welcoming to
the Newtown Community as much as possible.
Tse reunites with frequent collaborator Michael Stebbings; their last production, M’Lady a satirical take on pick up
artists, had a sold out season and rave reviews.
Gutenberg! The Musical! marks the last 2018 production for Red Scare, with both previous shows (Movers, The Bone Thief) selling out their seasons. Potter says that she’s “watched Red Scare go from strength to strength tackling such a
variety of fantastic plays over the last few years since I came to New Zealand, and I’m so excited to get this chance to
be a part of their next project.”
Gutenberg! The Musical! is on from the 4 – 13th October and Newtown Community and Cultural Centre. Tickets are available
now at Eventfinda: