Blind jokes, questionable accents, gay stereotypes, and nonstop New Jersey mocking? Hell yeah!
All right, that level of enthusiasm for overt offensiveness might seem off-putting. But it all works shockingly well in The Toxic Avenger. And no, I’m not talking about the upcoming movie. I wasn’t lucky enough to catch that Fantastic Fest premiere, and though I’m sure Peter Dinklage is lovely in it, does he belt out some high notes while ripping off appendages and disemboweling evildoers? I highly doubt it. So in that case, Doctuh Mistuh Productions’ musical version has the upper hand.
The local company presents the Austin premiere of the 2008 rock musical, based on Lloyd Kaufman’s 1984 movie. Written by New Jersey native Joe DiPietro with a score by bona fide Jersey legend David Bryan – also known as Bon Jovi’s keyboard player – The Toxic Avenger drips with cheeky charm, oozing saucy satire with clever asides and meta nods. It follows sad little nerd Melvin Ferd the Third (Joey Banks), who’s trying to clean up the disgusting pollution plaguing Tromaville, N.J. A mishap with toxic waste grants him mutant monster powers, which he channels into his righteous quest – a quest replete with corrupt capitalism, sketchy politicians, violent rages, and bubbling lust for blind librarian Sarah (Madi Sipe). Again, it’s not going to be every person’s cup of tea. But with upbeat numbers like a less-serious Little Shop of Horrors, and irreverence reminiscent of Mel Brooks, Toxic Avenger dances its way through distasteful waste with a wink and a smile.
Toxic Avenger dances its way through distasteful waste with a wink and a smile.
Director Michael E. McKelvey, who leads all three of DMP’s summer shows, encourages an intoxicating energy throughout the play. The five-person cast works their asses off, with three of the actors playing multiple characters. Paul Sanchez and Will Thompson serve as a two man-chorus, portraying scientists and bullies, hapless cops and hairdressers, adopting accents galore and showcasing impressive falsettos (and a fair amount of leg) in cross-dressing capers. The multi-role bonanza reaches its apex with an impressive showstopper featuring Leslie Hollingsworth’s two roles – Ma Ferd and the Mayor – facing off in “Bitch/Slut/Liar/Whore.” Wigs and curtains cleverly prop up Hollingsworth’s quick changes between the Mayor’s femme fatale and Ma Ferd’s folksy disappointment.
The romantic leads bring their A-game as well. As serenely sweet Sarah, Sipe’s indefatigable grin and eternal acknowledgment of her own hotness make what could be a cheap disability joke a chuckleworthy caricature. As her wannabe beau, Banks beautifully portrays the dorkiness of Melvin against the appeal of macho mutant “Toxie,” modulating his voice from a Rick Moranis twang to a lower register that’s more H. Jon Benjamin than Batman, but hey. It’s still charismatic as heck, and makes every throwaway observance that much more hilarious.
Even the set, designed by Joe Carpenter, can’t resist getting in on the joke. Sure, there are giant toxic waste vats and gross green walls. But a projected backdrop on one side offers variety, depicting quick flashes of weird New Jersey seals or terrifying Oprah AI. I’m not usually in favor of AI usage, but I have to admit the absurdity did fit the show’s tone.
I love a good serious tome, a work of reflective art about the trials of human experience. But there’s something to be said for a piece of pure escapism. The Toxic Avenger made me belly laugh. What could be better than that? Its brand of humor won’t win universal praise, but it sure did for me. And if utterly unserious shlock tickles your fancy, it might be for you too.
The Toxic Avenger
Austin Playhouse
Through August 10
This article appears in August 1 • 2025.