We may be heading into spring, but winter is most definitely coming to West Hollywood as Game of Thrones: The Musical! A Song of Nice Satire roars on stage during an extended run at the historic Macha Theatre. Produced by Theatre Is Coming, the show was originally scheduled for February 10–March 12. Due to the popularity of the show, it’s been extended through April 16.
Steven Christopher Parker and Steven Brandon, the same duo who penned Lost: The Musical, have teamed up husband-and-wife music writer and director team Erin Stegeman and Ace Marrero to bring fans’ favorite Game of Thrones Season 1 moments to the stage. The production contains 12 original songs from some of the greatest moments in the show, and a little foreshadowing. So just a reminder “here there be spoilers.”
The idea to do a musical parody came to Parker in May 2016. According to Brandon, “ [Parker] called me in May saying we have to do Game of Thrones. I had never watched the show up until that point, so I binged as much as I could.” Stegeman and Marrero, from Once Upon A Time: The Rock Opera, were brought on board to work on the musical aspects. Stegeman, who also plays Cersi Lannister, serves as the main music writer and Marrero, who plays Khal Drogo, is the music producer. Together they share the role of music director.
Taking key and even iconic moments from a television show and bringing them to life on stage through song can be a risky move, but Stegeman said, “L.A. theatre tends to be more open to experimental work. This is the place to do edgier work and take risks.” Marrero also noted that “it may be risky but people know what they’re coming here to see. They’re coming here to have fun. And that’s just what the show is about.”
With the show up and running in L.A. during pilot season, the producers made the choice to double up casting. Parker, who is the main director, said “We get that people will have conflicts and auditions. By doubling up we give more people chances to work but also free up others to go out on auditions. In fact tonight’s show had two members from the other cast filling in.” While it’s the same script for both casts, Brandon feels they’re different shows: “I see subtle differences between the casts and those subtle differences pay off in huge ways. If you’re a fan of the show I encourage you to see both casts.”
As to the future of the parody and the possibility of other seasons, Brandon said, “We’ll just have to wait and see how this run goes. If there is a desire for more, you just might see a Season 2. But for now we're just enjoying our extension and collaborating with the wonderful people here at Macha.”
Game of Thrones: The Musical! - A Song of Nice Satire runs through April 16 at the Macha Theatre in West Hollywood. For more information visit www.gotthemusical.com.
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