**** Recommended It’s kind of difficult for me to write a review of TWIHARD! A Twilight Musical Parody because I’m pretty sure I might have seen one of the movies. On the other hand, I enjoyed a funny, pun-filled musical parody performed by a talented cast while the audience was filled with devotees of the show who absolutely loved it. Helen and I didn’t get many of the jokes but we loved the show anyway. 4 Spotlights
The world of Twihard is populated by vampires, led by Aro (Aliyah Necaise), and werewolves. When Bella (Rachel Arianna) met Edward (Peter Stielstra), a vampire, they fall in love resulting in a lot of drama and some catchy songs. Although the werewolves are around, they aren’t really a factor in this show.
In an effort to keep Edward and Bella apart, the bad vampires start a fight. By the way, with the musicians on stage, the fight choreography is very cool, leading people around and behind them as well as up and down the aisles.
By the way, at the end of Act I, McClain from Die Hard appears, draped in Christmas lights, carrying a machine gun runs through the set. The vampire in charge wrings his neck!
TWIHARD! is definitely an ensemble show. With the exception of Aro, Bella and Edward, many play multiple parts. They’re all very talented and blessed with terrific voices. The cast: Cosmo Coniglio (Charlie/Jasper), Ryan Wagner (Tyler/James), Stephanie Boyd (Esme/Angela), Cris Moreno (Jacob/Mike/Laurent). Also Ginny Weant (Alice), Kyra Young Hood (Rosalie), Allie Grace Ember (Jessica/Victoria), Nicholas Ian (Ensemble), Carly Nadeau (Ensemble), Jacob Watson (Ensemble), Hannah Decker (Ensemble), Mason Sammarco (Ensemble). Understudies: Maddi LeBlanc, Isabel Koleno, Liam Ryan, Trey Plutnicki and Jackson West.
Book and lyrics for TWIHARD! A Twilight Musical Parody were written by Tiffany Keane Schaefer, very loosely based on the series by Stephanie Meyer, with music by Brian Rasmussen. The production is directed by Schaefer, Rasmussen is music director. TWIHARD! first hit the Chicago scene for a four-week run at Otherworld Theater Company’s storefront theater in February 2024. The run was extended for three additional weeks due to popular demand. The TWIHARD! cast album is available on Spotify.
TWIHARD! Principal Musicians are: Quinn Brann (Piano/Conductor), Elijah Median (Bass), Tom Jasek & Colin Rambert (Drums) and Brandon Vu (Guitar). Alternate musicians: Brian Rasmussen (Piano/Conductor), Kyle Downs (Guuitar), Karl Seigfried (Bass), Joey Buttlar (Drums), Ruth Heald (Drums) and Erik Lobo-Gilbert (Drums).
The Otherworld Theater Company production of TWIHARD! A Twilight Musical Parody has been extended to September 28th at the Apollo Theater, 2550 N Lincoln Ave., Chicago. Since parking is limited in this neighborhood, my recommendation is a parking app.
Running time is supposed to be two hours, 15 minutes, with an intermission, but the show tends to run closer to three hours. Performances: Thursdays & Fridays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 8:00 pm, Sundays at 4:00 pm. Tickets range from $44.15-$51.65. Tickets available at www.ticketmaster.com. FYI www.twihardthemusical.com.
