Enter “Flop”, the darker side of Broadway where musicals go to die. Arthur Hull is fantastic as he dedicates his show to musical flops. Going to a show devoted to failed musicals seems like a bad idea. Still, Arthur picks out the best parts of these musicals, because even if it’s a financial issue, timing issue or something was just missing, 100s of people still dedicated their lives to it, and their art deserves to be shared.
Arthur does a great job of explaining the background of musicals in the most theatrical way possible, with accessories, sound effects and even some impressive gymnastics. The show is very novice-friendly as you get taught the plots behind the flops. I felt like a novice compared to Arthur, who seems to know everything about every musical that’s ever dared to walk on a public stage. Arthur had facts and stats about musicals I had never heard of. For example, I was surprised to find out that one of the best-known songs in the world comes from a flop. “My Funny Valentine”.
Arthur’s talent shines through the mostly terrible songs as he creates his own backing track with just a keyboard and a looper. His voice ranges from soft songs like My Funny Valentine, to upbeat raspiness like “Macavity”, which Arthur sings from the flop musical movie “Cats”, which he argues is “the only way I can get a Taylor Swift song in my show”.
Other songs from Grease 2, Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, and Love Never Dies will make you cringe and laugh as Arthur goes through terrible lyrics, incidents, and plots. Arthur’s love for music shines through his vocals, and his charisma and enthusiasm are infectious. Celebrated or forgotten, there is still a story worth telling in these musicals, and Arthur’s Narrative is a delight.
Arthur Hull’s FLOP: The Best Songs From The Worst Musicals Ever Written 20.45, Gilded Balloon at Appleton Tower, until August 24 (not 19)
