Courtesy of NKU

When Pigs Fly follows Howard, who takes on the daunting task of almost single-handedly staging a musical revue in New York. He faces many obstacles and challenges getting the show on its feet. Additionally, he deals with self-doubt initiated by his High School guidance counselor, Miss Roundhole, who told Howard that he would succeed only when pigs fly. The show originally played Off-Broadway in 1996.

The musical revue was conceived by Howard Crabtree and Mark Waldrop. Crabtree died just prior to the show beginning previews in New York. When Pigs Fly is largely inspired by costumes and wigs. It's a celebration of musicals, theatre, and above all else, gay culture, and is peppered with subtle and not-so-subtle innuendo. With a through-story connecting the songs and sketches, When Pigs Fly is fun and campy, but somewhat slight. The show was updated in 2018, and the references to Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and (to a lesser extent) Mike Pence remain relevant today.

The score has music by Dick Gallagher and lyrics by Mark Waldrop, who also directed the original production. The jaunty tunes are highly melodic, though not especially memorable. The lyrics are witty, calling on pop culture new and old with great skill. Song highlights include the rousing "Light in the Loafers," the entertaining "A Patriotic Finale," which features great lyrics and closes Act 1, and "Laughing Matters," which takes the serious perspective that the homosexual community still faces hatred in many places, and that humor is necessary to help them carry on.

NKU's production is being staged in the black box Fifth Third Bank Theatre space at The Aronoff Center in downtown Cincinnati rather than on campus, due to renovations of the NKU theater. Director Michael W. Hatton captures the right tone of the piece and has pulled strong performances from his actors. The serious moments are delivered with well-suited pathos, and the bulk of the humor comes across well. There are a few bawdy elements, but Hatton has staged them wisely. The choreography by Hunter Broyles is appropriate and spirited, with the tap number for "Light in the Loafers" being a highlight. Pleasant musical accompaniment is provided by music director Michael Spresser on piano and a drummer not named in the program.

The cast consists of five male performers, all of whom possess strong singing voices. The NKU production is not amplified, but every note and lyric are heard clearly. As Howard, Charlie Norman puts some wickedly funny facial expresses to great use. He is an earnest and likeable lead and a solid anchor for the cast. Luc Vanderbroek's booming vocals are especially impressive, and he sells "Bigger Is Better" for all it's worth. Jathan Briscoe amusingly pours on the sass and soul as many characters, including Miss Roundhole. Mark Schutzman sings the three "Torch Songs" to the political foes of the queer community with great aplomb. Most impressive of all is Bodie Moore, who tackles many of the drag personas in the show with campy gusto and also displays top-notch dancing throughout.

Despite being staged in a black box space, there is a full curtain and footlights. Scenic designer Rob Kerby supplies some deliciously and purposely second-rate pieces which enhance the campiness of the show. The lighting by Payne Ackermann is professionally rendered. The costumes and wigs by Cat Schmeal-Swope and Missy J. White steal many scenes. Their sparkly and magnificent creations are particularly impressive during "Wear Your Vanity with Pride" and "Over the Top."

Howard Crabtree's When Pigs Fly is a rarely staged musical revue that should be supported and seen by theatregoers in Cincinnati, and especially by our LGBTQ+ community. The show is fun, comedic, and tuneful, and NKU's production and cast are up to the show's campy and musical requirements and then some.

Howard Crabtree's When Pigs Fly runs through October 6, 2024, at the Aronoff Center, Fifth Third Bank Theatre (corner of 7th Street and Main Street), Cincinnati OH. For tickets and information, please visit www.nku.edu or evenue.net.