Happy Halloween! Today, I want to take you on a journey into the world of horror comedy musicals. Specifically, I want to delve into a 2018 stage show that has captivated my imagination ever since I first watched it in June – “The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals” (TGWDLM).
From the creative minds of Nick and Matt Lang, with music and lyrics by Jeff Blim, TGWDLM takes the familiar premise of a sinister force turning the world into a musical and brings it to life in a way that surpasses anything I’ve ever seen. The full stage production allows for the perfect execution of this concept, making it my personal favorite among all of StarKid Productions’ works.
The story revolves around Paul Matthews, a man who is content with his mundane life and has no interest in musicals. However, when a strange meteor crashes into Hatchetfield’s Starlight Theater, the town is infected, and everyone starts joyfully singing and dancing. As the bizarre theatrical infection spreads, it’s up to Paul, his co-workers, Emma, and Professor Hidgens to save the planet before it’s too late.
TGWDLM skillfully blends horror, comedy, and music, resulting in a perfect balance of tension and humor. The songs are both thrilling and hilarious, making it a standout work of metafiction. It cleverly deconstructs the genre conventions of musical theater, similar to how “Scream” and “Cabin in the Woods” did with horror. The choreography, lighting, and camera angles further enhance the play’s playful nature, while the use of phony blood and guts adds a delightful B-movie vibe.
Without giving away too many spoilers, I must mention the ending, as it beautifully encapsulates the narrative’s metafictional elements. The finale, aptly titled “Inevitable,” calls back to previous musical numbers and emphasizes the idea that the world of TGWDLM was always meant to be a musical. The infected characters embrace this fact, while the uninfected struggle to come to terms with it. The ending leaves you pondering the cyclical nature of the story and the powerful grip it has on its characters.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this glimpse into the world of “The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals.” This tightly focused script and songwriting make it a must-watch, especially during the Halloween season. There are countless layers and themes to explore, far more than I could cover here. If you’re intrigued, I encourage you to watch the musical on YouTube and discover the full depth of its story.
Remember, if you enjoy what you’ve read here, please consider supporting my work on 5 WS. And as always, feel free to share this article with your friends and fellow musical enthusiasts. Let’s spread the joy and wonder of TGWDLM together!
