'Starship' at Center on Halsted: Darren Criss, puppets and gleeful fans. But snip-snip, StarKid.
Darren Criss of "Glee" supplied the music and lyrics for "Starship" by Chicago-based StarKid Productions, above starring Brant Cox as Roach. CHECK OUT THE "STARSHIP" SLIDESHOW
THEATER REVIEW: "Starship" ★★ Through Feb. 23 in the Hoover-Leppen Theatre at Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St.; Running time: 3 hours, 40 minutes; Tickets: $25 (sold out) at teamstarkid.com
StarKid Productions, a group of well-trained kids who graduated from the University of Michigan's theater department about five minutes ago, has already made its name doing short, pop-culture parodies and posting them on YouTube. And when I say “made its name,” in no way do I exaggerate.
“A Very Potter Musical,” “A Very Potter Sequel,” and a third musical video with a title not suitable for a family newspaper have collectively scored something like 50 million hits to date. The YouTube channel for StarKid has more than 100,000 subscribers.
It hasn't hurt that one of the troupe's founders is Darren Criss, who plays Blaine Anderson on “Glee,” and played a certain wizard in those aforementioned viral videos.
A good portion of those 100,000 subscribers seemed to be trying to cram their way into the Center on Halsted's Hoover-Leppen Theater — which hosted many more persons below legal drinking age as I've ever seen there before — on Friday night. The occasion was “Starship,” an original, live parody musical from StarKid Productions — which has decided to move its central control room to Chicago (good for them) and has promptly sold out its entire run. One of the authors of “Starship” is Criss.
Given the history with a video medium that famously favors brevity, you'd have thought that Team StarKid understood one of the cardinal rules of parody: Get out while they're still laughing at your shtick.
You'd have thought wrong.
“Starship,” written and directed by Matt Lang and replete with design elements, puppets and production values that would put much bigger and older Chicago theaters to shame, tells the story of an extra-terrestrial insect, name of Bug, with ambitions of becoming a so-called Starship Ranger (big number: “I Wanna Be [A Starship Ranger]” and romantic troubles with an overly sycophantic suitor named Bugette.
The show's running time Friday night was three hours and 40 minutes.
Yep, longer than “Les Miserables.” Longer than “King Lear.”
Just to clarify: This is a musical sci-fi parody somewhat reminiscent of “Plan 9 From Outer Space” and “Warp” with a few nods to the style and puppets of “Avenue Q.” And just in case you missed that running time: 3:40. By the second act, the whole thing is so mind-numbingly boring, one's entire life flashes before one's eyes.
I had the sense throughout that this was not so much a display of stunning hubris as a surfeit of ideas and a reluctance to wield the scissors. Team StarKid, the scalpel must be your friend.
Frankly, the length of this thing is currently so outrageous, it just about swallows everything else in the show (although, in fairness, I should note that the screams around me did not fully wilt with the passing hours). I was convinced “Starship” was over at intermission (by which point our hero bug seems to have achieved his main ambition) and headed hopefully for the elevators, only to be stopped in my tracks with news of a second act.
“It's only, like an, hour and half more,” I was told, as I turned reluctant tail and headed back to see more of such characters as Tootsie Noodles, Mega-Girl, February, Roach and, my personal favorite due to the nod to “The Thunderbirds,” Specs.
For the record, there is very real talent in this group. Russ Walko's puppets are delicious creations. And the cuts (cuts!, cuts!) should not come from Criss' score, which is quite chipper in a pop sort of way. The singing is generally strong. And there are at least four really gifted performers who clearly should be watched: Brant Cox (Roach), Meredith Stepien (who does a neat robot-voice as Mega-Girl), the quirky Lauren Lopez (Bugette) and, especially, Dylan Saunders, who plays a massive crustacean (and three-person puppet) named Pincer and who kills throughout. You will be reading more about all of them.
It's all very funny. For a while. Mostly in the first act, before it all gets too buggy.
I think it's a good thing the play is long. Fans came to see it from all around the United States, if not further, and it would be unfair for it to be an hour or so long.
Posted by: Meghan | February 15, 2011 at 04:34 PM
While I was there (11th, 12th, and 13th) and definitely agree with quite a bit of what was said, including the length... it wasn't anywhere NEAR 3:40.
The show started just a bit after 7 PM after they got everyone seated. There was a 15 intermission and we were out by 10:20. (The earliest of the three shows I've been to so far.) At maximum it was 3:05, and really probably just a bit under three hours. Still very long, but not nearly as long as you're making it seem.
Otherwise, I think this was a pretty fair review. (And for the record, the 11th was the night I saw the most younger fans there. Both the 12th and 13th held an older crowd, particularly the 12th, and I imagine weeknight crowds are older as well.) The biggest flop with the humor is that so much of it depends on sci-fi pop culture references and while that can work, some people may not get them. I do think the second act, particularly the scene between Bug and Up involving laps, was far too long and could have been adequately cut. I do think Joey Richter is a very strong vocalist and actor who could have done with a shout-out, but the nod toward Dylan, Lauren (who also played Taz), Meredith, and ESPECIALLY Brant was very deserved! (Brant blew me away.)
Posted by: Raya | February 15, 2011 at 05:35 PM
thats not fair. you obviously were put off by how long it was.
i saw it live as well, it was amazing.
the puppets, the plot and the songs were all amazing.
Joey Richter was UNFOGETTABLE.
they are amazing.
Posted by: Victoria | February 15, 2011 at 11:46 PM
You mention Darren Criss, but don't say if he's actually in the production or not.
Posted by: meh | February 16, 2011 at 08:17 AM
He is not.
Chris
Posted by: C | February 16, 2011 at 09:16 AM
I have not seen Starship and I won't until it hits youtube, however, based on Starkid's previous shows, I have to agree with the comment on length. Now, don't get me wrong, I love their shows and I have never been bored by them, but they are all extremely long shows. When they moved to Chicago, it was to start trying to establish themselves as a real, professional theater company. I think if they really want to reach this goal, they need to critically evaluate their shows and make cuts when needed. Until they develop this skill, I don't believe they will be able to truly succeed in such a competitive market. Starkid, you can't rely on pre-existing fans forever if you want to make it! There is obvious talent in your group, so I don't doubt you can do it. Just don't let your own biases get in the way of success!
Posted by: Anna | February 16, 2011 at 10:31 AM
Isn't it a good thing that lots of younger people are making it to the theatre? most young people aren't interested in live things, they prefer the tv or a movie,
these kids may feel more inclined to go and see more live stuff, which can't be bad.
and in my opinion I think that reviews should be written by the target audience (this goes for everything) as obviously if the reviewer doesn't like the genre/style of comedy, they can't really say wether it was good or not.
Posted by: Charlotte | February 16, 2011 at 12:02 PM
I agree with everything Anna said. I haven't seen the show sadly but if there was only one thing (AND ONLY ONE) I didn't like about AVPM and AVPS is the length. I love love love Starkid but esp. with AVPS it should have been over much quicker, and it would have felt like a much more complete package. Having something too, even something awesome, can really take away from the material. But I love Starkid, I can't wait till this show goes on YouTube, and I have no doubt that it will be incredible. The good thing about YouTube is that if your eyes start to strain from watching for too long you can just pause for a bit ;)
Posted by: J | February 16, 2011 at 12:51 PM
Went last night, have to agree that it was long, my poor dad fell asleep. Expected more college age kids but i felt like i was at a jonas brothers concert, about 97% were young teenage girls... screaming, and not exaggerating, CRYING girls. Team starkid really has a good following. GOOD FOR THEM!
Posted by: Lauren | February 16, 2011 at 02:28 PM
I really loved the show, ESPECIALLY the lap scene (in fact, I was thinking of writing to Chris and suggesting he should have watched the show from "on top of a lap," as Bug puts it, since he wasn't really getting the warm fuzzy feelings he should have!)
It seems a little silly to compare Starship to Les Miz or King Lear--this is a fun romp, not an exercise in grandiosity or gravitas. All the same, Starship isn't exactly a "parody" either--what makes the second act strong for people who haven't tried to flee during intermission is that it offers a great ending, complete with romance, heroism, and self-sacrifice.
I won't quibble with requests to edit more, but I gladly attended the first run of Lookingglass's "Odyssey" (like a decade ago now, I guess) which had to be offered in two separate segments, each which took FOUR hours. Sure, by the time the Goodman played it, it was down to a brisk hour or two. But nothing will ever beat my memory of that first, raw performance.
Except maybe this first run of Starship. Yes, it's possible to "kill with your heart," and I think the Starkids did it here.
Posted by: Elena | February 16, 2011 at 02:30 PM
I went on opening night. The show was not nearly 3:40. It started a little after 7 and ended at 10:15 It was just a little over three hours. Also, I didn't find any part of it boring.
Posted by: Tegan | February 17, 2011 at 01:11 PM
I went the same night this reviewer went, and I don't know which musical they were watching, but Starship definitely was not 3:40. Like people have said, it started at 7:15 (slight delay), and we were done at 10:15. Maybe a little later. But it definitely came very, very close to the three hour mark, but not 40 minutes over like they said.
The acting was amazing, and thank you for the shout out to Brant Cox, he was fantastic. I feel as if Dylan was the favorite among reviewers, and I completely agree. Joey Richter needs some attention, though, because he was incredible as well. Everyone did a great job!
Yes, Darren's score was great, though I liked the HP ones better. (Although 'Kick It Up a Notch' has been stuck in my head for almost a week now).
Posted by: Kat | February 17, 2011 at 09:09 PM
"Kick it Up a Notch" was amazing, as was the 2-couple duet (don't remember the name)
I think our show was about 3:05-3:10, and no part of it was boring. But I understand that cuts may need to be made if they want to be accepted into a certain market but right now, they are just doing what they love and they sell-out every show...so who cares? :)
Brant and Dylan really stood out vocally (i mean mind-blowing)
Meredith, Dylan, Lauren, Denise, and Julia stood out acting.
But truly, this ENTIRE cast is fantastic and, although (at 23) I felt like one of the oldest people attending, you can't deny that these plays really appeal to many ages (not just fangirl Joey/Joe-fans) :)
Truly a blessing to be able to see them live (and it's wonderful that they still have time for all their fans :)
Posted by: anne | February 18, 2011 at 04:20 PM
I'm kind of disappointed by this review. Because lets be serious, Starship is for Starkid fans. If a Starkid walked in there and it was as short as Chris wanted, we would be severely upset. I feel that 3 hours is reasonable. Especially since their their intermission isn't half as long as other productions.
And as much as I love Darren, I feel that all of the news about the musical is being overshadowed by the fact that he's affiliated with and wrote the music for it. But in no way is Starship really about Darren. (And don't think that I'm bashing, because seriously I love the guy.) But I feel that the Chicago news is overdoing the Darren stuff a little much.
I was also saddened by the lack of good reviews for the veteran Starkids. Because I could really give a hoot about whoever Brant Cox is.
Posted by: Stephanie | February 20, 2011 at 05:21 AM
Chris Jones -
While I usually agree with your reviews, this time, I think you're far off. I thought the show was brilliant and funny. I'm interested in what comedic musicals you think I should see, though. What do you recommend? I haven't seen a show this funny in Chicago in a long time. When it seems like Broadway standards are the standard, I'm happy for a show that says no to status quo, and I think Starship definitely did so. And shame on you for telling Starkid to quit while they're ahead! Maybe that's the smart business move, but come on... Shouldn't you be encouraging artists to take creative risks? Nevertheless, Starkid fans will love this show.
Posted by: Bex | February 23, 2011 at 07:48 PM
What I think you also have to remember is that almost none of these people actually went to musical theatre school-just plain theatre school. That's what I think that the critics criticizing the voices need to remember.
Posted by: Maggie | February 25, 2011 at 08:35 AM
The show was not even close to 3:40... When I went, it started at around 7:15 and ended around 10:40, with a 15/20 minute intermission. Added up, that made it only a little over three hours. Anyone who had done any research on the company before going to see the show would have expected it to be around three hours long, seeing as that's approximately the length of the other original productions they have been doing.
And that's another thing... Shows are always editted after first showing them off-Broadway (at least, from what I have read concerning other shows, such as Next to Normal). Starship can only go upward from here on out, though I already thought it was fabulous show. And as for the jokes that no one got -- that doesn't mean you don't make the joke. You watch movies and other plays which will include jokes that not everyone will get, but they're still made because SOME people will be able to appreciate them.
All in all, if it's worth seeing for anything, it's definitely the talent of these young people. I can't even name a favorite at this point in time because they all shined in their own way.
Posted by: Salina | February 27, 2011 at 12:28 PM
Dudes, you're totally overreacting... I haven't seen Starship yet (unfortunately) but I can't wait for it, both me and a friend of mine are making a countdown. While this waiting time, we're re-watching the previous musicals and we don't complain about the time because, in my modest opinion, if something is being good and enjoyable, you don't even see the time go through. And I must say that I was astounded when I knew how long they took because honestly, didn't seemed that much when I first saw it.
Anyway, I've read another reviews of Starship and I hated this one, even though I haven't watched the show, and one of the reasons was because this reviewer gave too much credit to Darren Criss. Please people, the guy may write the songs but he's not the God of StarKid and is no way near of being the one that carries the weight of taking StarKid to success. The StarKids are successful because they worked their butts for it and I mean ALL of them. Just because Darren Criss is now on a very popular show, doesn't mean he's the man. In fact, I pretty much dislike him now because he's getting the whole freakin' attention, while other really talented StarKids are still a bit on the shadow. So, dear reviewer, maybe you should consider giving more credit to the actors/writers/producers and what so ever that actually worked and played harder for this production, and a little less to your beloved Darren Criss.
Posted by: Marisa | April 21, 2011 at 03:32 PM
I dont think this critic understood the play at all. He seems to think the play was about roach, seeing as he doesnt even mention Joey, and the picture at the top is of Brant. You would think a good critic would at least mention the name of the actor who plays main character of the show. I also agree with Salina; I love Darren to death, but he didn't write the whole play. And what about Brian Holden's singing? He didn't have many solo's in this play, but he was astounding in the reprise of Shake it Up a Notch.
Posted by: caitlin | May 01, 2011 at 10:04 PM
Aren't all StarKid productions super long, 'cause I remember watching A Very Potter Musical and sequel and thinking they were long. I think people have come to expect for StarKid productions to be long.
Personally I loved it, all the actors have grown vocally and in the acting department (not that they weren't amazing before) and I thought the story was really original. Darren Criss also did an amazing job with the music, it was brilliant.
Was I the only one who thought Brain Holden was really good? He was a good villain and also extremely attractive. And Joey Richter was much improved and I loved him.
Posted by: Madeleine | May 02, 2011 at 07:57 PM
YOU FORGOT ABOUT TAZ!!!! LAUREN LOPEZ ALSO PLAYED TAZ!!
Posted by: Liz | May 03, 2011 at 03:20 PM
Admittedly, I watched the show online, which might be different, but I didn't even notice the length of the show I found it done so well. I might be a bit bias, though, since I don't think Starkid can ever lose.
Posted by: Claire | May 04, 2011 at 08:04 AM
I don't think you really understand the audience. These are a bunch of teenage girls who are completely obsessed and in love with this group. We've been waiting for this and we greatly appreciate the length. I'm sure if they were doing something on a much more professional level, and not just for the Starkid fans, then it wouldn't be the same at all.
Posted by: Anonymous | May 09, 2011 at 07:14 PM
You seem to be under the impression that the parodies on youtube are short? They are not by any means short. All the musicals have been around three hours, it's to be expected that Starship would be as well.
Posted by: Rachael | May 10, 2011 at 02:51 PM
I actually loved the show. I, however, did see it in on YouTube, but I barely noticed the length (it didn't feel like 3 hours). I definitely thought that the acting and vocals were very strong (especially from Lauren Lopez, Brian Holden, Dylan Saunders, Joey Richter, Joe Walker, Meredith Stepien, and Brant Cox). I thought that it was a great musical and the puppets were beautifully made.
Posted by: Victoria | May 10, 2011 at 05:21 PM