Phil Tayler and Katie Clark

The plot exists as a canvas on which to paint the parodies, and the same basic story is told five times, each in the style of one of the musical greats (or duos) mentioned above (so if you're not too familiar with musicals, this show also acts as sort of a crash course in these iconic styles). A young woman can't pay her rent, and she is caught between her budding romance and her demanding landlord. Every iteration laughs at different qualities of musical theatre that any fan or performer is familiar with: the melodrama, show tunes' propensity for cheesiness, how over the top it can be. Each scene is introduced by the ensemble: Julianne Daly, Nick Davis, Matthew Kossack, Caroline Lellouche, Allison Russell, and Andrew Winans. None of them are named characters, but they are all excellent performers, dancing with grace (while also sometimes intentionally clumsily, for comedic affect), inciting laughter with their hilarious facial expressions, and often bolstering the lead actors' musical numbers with their own impressive voices.

As for the leads, they are all fantastic. Katie Clark plays June, the woman who can't pay her rent, and she easily embodies each style without ever feeling forced. Clark performed with Moonbox in last season's Company; other area credits include South Pacific (Reagle Music Theatre), Camelot (New Repertory Theatre), and Thoroughly Modern Millie (Stoneham Theatre). New York-based Peter Mill plays romantic interest Bill, and he impresses most with his powerful yet pleasant voice that reminds of Josh Groban (only not annoyingly ingratiating). He previously appeared in Moonbox's Company and A New Brain, held the title role in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and earned an IRNE nomination for his performance in Chicago.

Meredith Stypinski plays Abby, the woman June turns to for advice on her plight. Stypinski delights with her knack for impressions and sweeping vocals, moving easily from high to low while always remaining clear and strong. She previously appeared in Moonbox's Godspell and recently finished Macbeth, Hamlet, and Much Ado About Nothing with The Bay Colony Shakespeare Company. The villainous landlord is played by hilarious Phil Tayler, who performed in Moonbox's Of Mice and Men and Floyd Collins (in the title role, receiving an IRNE Award nomination), and he boasts a long list of Boston-area and other regional credits. Tayler transforms the most over the course of the show, playing crazed and unhinged, broody artist, flashy full drag, and more with finesse and comedic expertise. Speaking of, I'll make a final nod to the show's humor: they say the key to comedy is timing, and from the dialogue and expressions to the lighting and music, this show's got perfect timing.

The Musical of Musicals (The Musical!) runs through December 20th, 2014, at the BCA Plaza Theatre, 529 Tremont Street, Boston. Music directed by IRNE Award winner Dan Rodriguez. Performances are Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays at 8:00pm, Saturdays at 2:00pm and 8:00pm, and Sundays at 2:00pm. Tickets are $30-$35. For tickets and other information, visit moonbox.org.

With every production, Moonbox spotlights the work of a local nonprofit organization, and this time they've partnered with YOUTHDESIGN, a Boston area nonprofit that prepares and empowers urban youth to pursue careers as designers. For more information, visit youthdesign.org.

Photo: Sharman Altshuler