There’s a lot to love about Super Claudio Bros., the charming musical comedy based on the similarly-titled video game series that led to eye problems and thumb callouses for an entire generation. Currently running at the Studio Theatre as part of the on-going Capital Fringe Festival, the play brings the 8-bit world of the 80s to the stage and offers a hearty laugh for all.
Super Claudio Bros., directed by Marshall Pailet, tells the story of Sam Ludwig’s Luis, the “Player 2” of this world, who is the perpetual second fiddle to his brother, Claudio (Steven Gregory Smith), a hero in the Land of Eggplants. Claudio achieves his status by repeatedly rescuing the fair Princess Tangerine from the clutches of the evil platypus, Bruiser. The arch-nemesis hatches a scheme to introduce unpredictable foes into Claudio’s unchanging adventure, leading to the hero’s untimely demise. With the help of the spunky Princess Fish, Luis sets off on his own to take down Bruiser.
There are laughs at every turn in the hilarious script by Drew Fornarola and Pailet. The songs, composed by Fornarola, don’t plagiarize Nintendo’s famous themes, but do capture their playful essence. However, a great score and script are nothing without a strong cast. Ludwig and Smith know when to play it straight and when to camp it up. Gia Mora’s operatic soprano helped create Cinderella’s facade that made what lies beneath all the more entertaining. If there was a scene stealer, it was Lauren Williams, playing Princess Fish. A diminutive actor, she nonetheless had the presence and verve to fill the sold-out theater. Oh, and wait until you see the eggplant people.
Those who grew up in an world where game controllers had only two primary buttons will revel in Super Claudio Bros.‘ nostalgia. But they should still feel free to join children of the wireless age by taking similar delight in the play’s irreverent humor and imaginative staging.
Super Claudio Bros. has four performances remaining on July 17, 18, 24, 25. Complete schedule and ticket information is available here.
