By Caden Mustoe
Pocket Monsters: A Musical Parody at the ImprovBroadway in Provo is a fun, cute musical about the Pokémon video game, cartoon, and trading card sensation. IT was one part nostalgia as a part of my childhood, while making fun of the logical inconsistences of Pokémon. But, in essence, Pocket Monsters: A Musical Parody is a big love letter to this international phenomenon.
For those of you unfamiliar with the world of Pokémon, here’s a little background information. Pokémon (short for pocket monsters, and thus the name of the musical) are creatures that are prevalent in the region of Kanto, where the first installment of the franchise as well as our story is set. These creatures resemble those we would find in real life, though often amalgamated with something else. For instance, the recognizably yellow Pokémon species Pikachu are large mice with electrical powers. Children, when they become old enough, go out into the world to capture and train these Pokémon in order to battle with other trainers, leading to fun and exciting adventures. I will say, however, that even if you know little to nothing about this fantastic universe, the story, humor, and energy of Pocket Monsters: A Musical Parody will still keep you captivated.
Pocket Monsters: A Musical Parody is the brainchild of Sam Wright, who also starred in the show as one of the local gang members, O.J. The story, like most Pokémon tales, starts with a boy (whose name is chosen by the audience, which pleased my friends and me) and some other children in his town embarking on a journey to see what it means to become the very best. Unlike other Pokémon sagas, however, this journey is accompanied by outbreaks of song, unconventional Pokémon battles, and philosophical commentaries about the world of Pokémon, which is often little more than some good-natured razzing.
Along the way, we will meet some old and familiar characters. Red (Brad Witbeck) is a boy filled with dreams of becoming the very best, like no one ever was. Brad Witbeck was charming and fun to watch. At the beginning of the show, he is encouraged by the local Prof. Oak (Lucas Proctor) to begin his journey. At the same time, Prof. Oak’s grandson Blue, played convincingly by Thad Gillespie and new-girl-in-town Green (Rylee Witbeck), who is a talented and energetic actress, are also given starter Pokémon and head out for adventure. Soon after departing, our hero finds and captures Pikachu (Tanner Urmston).
One of the things I find very impressive about Pocket Monsters: A Musical Parody is how many members of the cast also were a part of the crew. For instance, Teresa Jack and Wright both played members of the gang Team Rocket and also were in charge of costumes. They found a good balance between staying true to the look of the characters they were parodying and being visually amusing. Also from the cast was Cameron Wright who did choreography and, along with ensemble member Jason Hansen, sound design. While the space in the theater is limited, those in charge of props (Nick Welsh) and tech (Allen Bentley and Chris Schmutz) did an excellent job of using the stage to its fullest capacity. This obviously was a production that was a labor of love for all involved and this passion showed throughout Pocket Monsters: A Musical Parody.
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It is the theater’s first musical (normally only having improv acts) and they couldn’t have had a better start. One of the aspects I really liked is there was a lot of improv and everyone was very tight and quick with their timing.
Pocket Monsters: A Musical Parody is definitely funny and definitely for Pokémon aficionados. But perhaps this could be the introduction people need to become familiar with something that is so ingrained in our culture.
It does run more than two hours, so though your tween or teen may love Pokémon, make sure they can sit still for a significant amount of time. But let me be clear, Pocket Monsters: A Musical Parody is family friendly and would be a great activity for those who love video games or improv. Come see the world premiere of this fun, original production. I know I will be following the group that created Pocket Monsters: A Musical Parody and see what they are bringing to Utah theater for us to enjoy.
ImprovBroadway presents Pocket Monsters: A Musical Parody by Sam Wright ImprovBroadway, 496 900 E, Provo, UT 84606 September 15, 22, 29 at 7:00 PM, 16, 23 at 2:00 PM, and 16, 23, 30 at 9:45 PM Ticket Price: $5 online, $8 at door ImprovBroadway Facebook Page Pocket Monsters: A Musical Parody Facebook Event
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