Bigfoot!

By: Darryl Reilly

“If you have sex with a carny next to a nuclear dumpster, you end up with a giant son!” explains an adult monster’s repeatedly coughing mother in the goofy sci-fi musical spoof Bigfoot! It is 90 minutes of engaging silliness which should delight adults and children alike.

“It is sometime in the 1980’s, the town of Muddirt is between a nuclear reactor and a toxic waste dump. It’s a middle finger to mother nature” says a narrating resident; “the water is crunchy.”

The hairy, behemoth, and jovial Bigfoot has grown up alone in Muddirt’s forest with periodic visits by his terminally ill mother and a benevolent doctor. Such seclusion is necessary as it is believed that the townspeople will harm Bigfoot out of fear and prejudice. His haven is threatened by the machinations of the town’s dastardly mayor whose office is in the strip club Bouncy’s. To distract from a shady redevelopment deal, the mayor offers a reward to slay this mysterious and rarely glimpsed creature. A famed female hunter arrives, “I’ve killed more animals than a lipstick company!” Will Bigfoot survive?

Amber Ruffin and Kevin Sciretta’s giddy book contains a slew of often mildly risqué jokes which land, an affectionate treatment of genre tropes, and a snappy plot which fulfills the show’s running time. The plentiful 1980’s satirical references include Ronald Reagan, PBS, and Ho Hos.

Ms. Ruffin’s smart lyrics in concert with her and David Schmoll’s lively music yield a frothy pastiche score. There are soaring ballads, Motown-style numbers, and traditional musical comedy songs. These are performed by a dynamic cast.

Clad in a grand hirsute full body suit and with his face elaborately made-up, the bewigged, beaming, and physically imposing Grey Henson is an antic and humane delight as Bigfoot. Mr. Henson’s glorious characterization is informed by his expressive voice, superior comic timing and limber physicality.

In full diva mode is Crystal Lucas-Perry as Bigfoot’s protective and bawdy mother. Ms. Lucas-Perry is simultaneously hilarious and moving with her grounded portrayal, and she is smashing during her full-throttle singing of several big numbers. The serene yet animated Jason Tam is a deadpan whirlwind as the kindly doctor. Mr. Tam and Lucas-Perry are hilarious depicting their characters’ burgeoning and double entendre-expressed lust.

With good old boy glee, the rubbery Alex Moffat is uproarious as the nefarious mayor. A highlight of Mr. Moffat’s impactful supreme physical comedy turn is him unintentionally shooting himself with a pistol several times while then accruing numerous injuries. Impish Katerina McCrimmon makes a riotous impression as “The Night Smasher,” the feisty professional predator who arrives to slaughter Bigfoot. Ms. McCrimmon and Henson’s increasing romantic sparks are abruptly and humorously undercut when each confesses that they are both gay.

This magnetic ensemble is completed by Jake Letts, Kala Ross, Mike Millan, and Jade Jones as Muddirt citizens. Jones is sidesplitting while switching back and forth between a male and female character in real time.

Director and choreographer Danny Meffford’s fast-paced physical staging is exuberant, and the simple dances contain artful flourishes. Mr. Meffford’s brisk approach mines all of the material’s possible comedy while injecting some organic pathos.

Moving cut-out trees, miniature edifices, and eerie voids are the hallmarks of Tim Mackabee’s cheeky scenic design. Lighting designer Mextly Couzin’s vivid bright hues and bracing dimness perfectly realize the piece’s prevalent comedic and occasionally dramatic tones. Sun Hee Kil’s clear sound design renders the music and effects with flair. Costume designer Ricky Reynoso’s fabulous garments realize the wacky characters with distinction. That visual achievement is further enhanced by J. Jared Janas and Cassie Williams’s striking hair, wig, and makeup design.

What the world needs now is a mirthful diversion and Bigfoot! is it.

Bigfoot! (through April 26, 2026)
Benson Drive Productions
New York City Center Stage 1, 131 West 55th Street, in Manhattan
For tickets, visit www.bigfootthemusical.com
Running time: 90 minutes with no intermission