’50 Shades of Grey’ Gets a Sexy Musical Makeover in SF
Erotic romance and comedy collide in the newest theater production to come to San Francisco. Based on “50 Shades of Grey,” a bestselling novel, 50 Shades! The Musical makes its Bay Area debuts at Marine’s Memorial Theater on July 23. With a live band on stage, the musical features a ladies book club embarking on a comedic roller coaster ride of song and dance, chock full of “wrestling wringlets, helicopters, and helicopters with silly names.”
“I think [success of 50 Shades! comes from] people liking the fantasy of someone being in control. They like the idea of someone being completely secure financially and that person has the confidence to make the right decisions…also the sex is pretty insane.”
As a producer of various comedy shows and a background in standup comedy, Dorezas and her crew (Marshall Cordell, Al Samuels) came up with a musical based on the original 50 Shades of Grey book last summer and with Hollywood already making plans to produce a movie on the same novel– a parody seemed liked a perfect fit.
“We wrote the musical in about 6 weeks. There was the idea and then a performance within about month. It was super collaborative process. We have since workshopped and changed things since that Aug 22, 2012 show but the core of the show remains.”
50 Shades! The Musical, which debuts July 23rd, is a darling among women’s circles, but was also written for men in mind.
“Men love this show too. It’s not just for the ladies,” Dorezas says, “I get thank you messages all the time from men after the show that say that there are many benefits at home for going to the show. The guys have had no idea what this book is about before they show up to our musical.”
Although she suggests that the BDSM references in the show is somewhat risque, “I don’t think anyone under 18 should go,” her initial inclination is for residents to watch the production with a group of friends or for a fun date night.
Her favorite line from the musical so far–and one that completely sets the tone of the nature of the show–is a lyric from the character Anastasia who, while wishing she could meet someone special, belts out: “There’s a hole inside of me, that needs to be filled!” Point taken.
There’s a lot to look forward to and take way from 50 Shades! The Musical, Dorezas mentions,”You can expect to laugh not just at the book but how the book as made an impact on our culture.”
So, what’s it like for the cast and crew to be in San Francisco during their tour?
“The cast is over the moon about being in San Francisco for the whole week,” says Dorezas, “Can’t wait to hit up Little Griddle and Las Margaritas in Fisherman’s Wharf”
50 Shades! The Musical is at Marine’s Memorial Theater on July 23 to July 28. Tickets are $30 to $65. More info.
Shaina covers events and the technology industry in the Bay Area. Follow her @shainatsan
