“A Riot of Ha-Ha’s, La-La’s and Ta-Da’s” -- that’s how the glitzy, spandex-y, and unrepentantly silly Banana Shpeel is billing itself and you’ll get no argument here. After all, it is the latest show from producer Marty Schmelky, the same entrepreneurial powerhouse who gave the world such hits as Phantom of the Banana; Fiddler on the Banana; The Best Little Banana in Texas; and my personal favorite, Bring in da Noise, Bring in da Banana.
Clearly, when it comes to going bananas, Schmelky knows his stuff, and Banana Shpeel is nothing if not his stuff -- stuff that, when put together, offers audiences a mind-boggling collection of slapstick comedy, eclectic dance and acrobatic acts from around the world.
As for Banana Shpeel writer/director David Shiner, he started out as a mime in Paris and went on to team up with Bill Irwin to create the wordless two-man show Fool Moon that picked up numerous prizes, including a Tony Award. And FYI: Shiner directed his first Cirque du Soleil production, the big top touring show KOOZA. Banana Shpeel is currently playing through August 29th at the Beacon Theatre. For tickets, click here.
Banana Shpeel: All Showbiz, All Schmelky
About the Author
City Guide Theatre Editor Griffin Miller moved to New York to pursue an acting/writing career in the 1980s after graduating magna cum laude from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Since then, she has written for The New York Times, For the Bride, Hotels, and a number of other publications, mostly in the areas of travel and performance arts. An active member of The New York Travel Writers Association, she is also a playwright and award-winning collage artist. In addition, she sits on the board of The Lewis Carroll Society of North America. Griffin is married to Richard Sandomir, a reporter for The New York Times.New York City Activities
More Articles
Spring Preview: Broadway Shows 2024
This spring, 22 new plays and musicals will arrive on Broadway. We've got a rundown on what's coming, plus looks at long-running theatre options for 2024. (Full of talent-fueled performances, stellar sets, costumes, and effects, these shows are the jewels in Broadway’s dazzling crown.)
-fotor-20230728152812.jpg)
Two Faceted Diamond: Mark Jacoby Lifts Broadway's A Beautiful Noise
Veteran Broadway actor Mark Jacoby skillfully portrays Neil-Now in "A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical." The show masterfully weaves Diamond's past and present, with Jacoby's amazing singing voice at full throttle in the show’s penultimate number, “I Am…I Said,” alongside Neil-Then Will Swenson.
Talking With The Book of Mormon's Kevin Clay
Kevin Clay shines as Elder Price in the long-running Broadway hit, The Book of Mormon. Clay's portrayal is a standout, and his on-stage chemistry with Cody Jamison Strand, who plays Elder Cunningham, is not to be missed.
Michael James Scott Enchants as Genie in Aladdin on Broadway
As played by Michael James Scott, Genie in Broadway's Aladdin is a supernatural adrenaline rush. In 2021, when theatre marquees lit up once again, Scott returned to “one of the most fun roles on Broadway” (and one of the most demanding).
Book Reading and Signing with Samantha Brown at Big & Tiny Battery Park at Brookfield Place on 4/21/24
Join us for a special book reading and signing event featuring stylist and author, Samantha Brown.
Dinner: Pathways to Passover with Chefs Fany Gerson, Alex Raij, and Hillary Sterling at Platform by JBF on 4/24/24
James Beard Award–nominated chefs Fany Gerson, Alex Raij, and Hillary Sterling come from different b
The Super Crazy Fun Time Show at Caveat on 4/20/24
"SNL, Pee-Wee’s Playhouse, and the Price is Right had a deranged baby,"-TimeOutNY The Super Crazy
