Spamilton: An American Parody comes to the Straz Center for the Performing Arts from April 9 through May 12, with tickets starting at only $30 at strazcenter.org
Spamilton: An American Parody is a musical parody of the Broadway show Hamilton. Written by the creator of the Forbidden Broadway, Gerard Alessandrini. Spamilton also parodies several other musicals, including Camelot, The Book of Mormon, Sweeney Todd, Gypsy, Chicago, The King and I, and Assassins. It also makes fun of some of Broadways biggest names: Audra McDonald, Patti LuPone, Barbra Streisand, Bernadette Peters, Stephen Sondheim, Stephen Schwartz, Carol Channing and Liza Minnelli.
The show, directed by Alessandrini, had its first preview on July 19, 2016 and opened on September 8, 2016 at New York’s Triad Theatre. Originally scheduled to run 18 performances, it was extended at the Triad until May 28, 2017. It moved on June 2, 2017 to the 47th Street Theatre, near the Richard Rodgers Theatre where Hamilton is presented.
Don’t miss this “convulsively funny” (The New York Times) parody from the comic mastermind behind the long-running hit Forbidden Broadway. After tearing it up in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, Spamilton: An American Parody fulfills its manifest destiny by conquering Tampa for a limited time only. The Huffington Post raves “you don’t have to see Hamilton to have side-splitting fun at Spamilton.”
It was a pleasure to sit down with cast member Marissa Hecker, who not only grew up in Florida, but is a member of the LGBTQ community.
At what age did you begin performing, and how did it happen?
My parents were big theater nerds, so I listened to cast albums very early on, but I didn’t start singing and dancing on stage until High School.
What was your first professional/paid role?
I t was during my freshman year of high school, and it was a regional production of the “Music Man,” and it ran for like 3 months. That show is what really sparked it for me.
How did you get cast in this Spamilton, An American Parody?
I just had graduated from CCM (University of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music) in May and I moved to NYC. In September I started to audition, and I got lucky and got cast a few months later.
Does Lin Manuel and the other big wigs behind Hamilton enjoy your parody of Hamilton?
The original Spamilton ran off Broadway at Triad Theater, and all the original stars of Hamilton came to see Spamilton and they loved it. They have been very supportive!
Other than this role, what has been your favorite to play?
In College I got to play Fantine in Les Miz, and that was my favorite so far!
What is your fantasy role?
I have a few…I would love to play Lizzie in “110 in the Shade,” and I also would love to play any role in “Fun Home.” It’s such an amazing show, so any role in that production would be phenomenal to play.
How do you find working in a touring company while being part of the LGBTQ community?
It’s great, as the theatrical community is extremely accepting of the LGBTQ community. I felt the most myself, in a long time, with this cast.
Are you looking forward to coming back to Florida?
Yes, I am looking forward to coming back….especially since I am in Boston right now and it’s very cold.
What should our readers expect from Spamilton, An American Parody?
Expect 80 minutes of ridiculous theater parody. You will enjoy this show whether you have seen Hamilton or not. Its making fun but also celebrating how Hamilton has changed the theatrical community throughout the world.
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For more information on Marissa you can go to her website at: MarissaHecker.com or follow her on Instagram.com/Mhecker.
