The original Lusty, Busty tells the story of a hard-working barmaid named Rosie Bustle and her son Toby. Rosie is kidnapped by a pirate, Toby finds a friendly pirate and goes after her, and hijinks ensue. In the sequel we revisit these characters in their new positions gained at the end of the first show. A new character called Father Christmas, whose job is to deliver toys in the Caribbean, is kidnapped by an evil Spaniard named Don Fernando del Ilania who wants to destroy Christmas and make things more efficient and profitable. Turns out the sequel is not just a holiday show, but also a political one with some biting social satire that is very 2025. Both shows include sword fights, treasures, alliances made and broken, and our (flawed by lovable) heroes eventually winning out.
Amazingly, a cast of only three actors portrays all of the characters in these stories, which number more than a dozen. Part of the fun of the shows is watching them run behind the backdrop and don a new costume piece and run back out as a new character. Especially when the three actors are as talented as Ariel, Wini Froelich, and Caitlin Sparks. They're all hilarious in their varied accents and characterizations, and while they can all sing, Caitlin is the only one I would call a singer, and she's fabulous at the very specific skill of comedic singing (see also Urinetown at LPT last year). The three actors work together very well, with a wonderful sense of play under director Erika Sasseville, with a few winks to the audience. Perhaps my favorite character is Toby, embodied by a sock puppet manipulated and voiced by all members of the cast at times. They all have a little different take on Toby, and all are adorable and really make this sock feel like a real character. A couple other charming puppets also make their appearance.
The score is surprisingly great for what started as a Fringe musical (lyrics by the playwright and music by Chris Gennaula), very funny and clever lyrics, great melodies, and a variety of musical influences. And when you have a one-piece orchestra for a pirate musical, an accordion is a great choice of instrument (played by Dee Langley, with music direction by Brenda Varda); it's really all you need for a stripped-down show like this. The minimal set primarily consists of three crates and a black backdrop with a giant skull and crossbones painted on it, behind which all of the costume and character changes occur (I bet there's a great show going on behind there, a la Noises Off). The three actors are dressed in typically piratey gear, Ariel and Caitlin in bustiers and full skirts, Wini in a blousey black top and pants, although all play characters of both genders and add capes and long pirate coats.
For a budget friendly and really fun comedy offering, check out one or both of these pirate musicals. And if you enjoy yourself (which I'm pretty sure you will), consider a donation if you're able to support twenty more years of Fortune's Fool Theatre.
