According to director Ryan McDermott, the show’s theme is inspired by the often-used female character, the Manic Pixie Dream Girl*, “whose sole purpose is to teach depressed male leads to embrace life’s mysteries and wonders. These women do not exist in real life and are typically created in the minds of lonely screenwriters. We think she’s a disservice to female characters because it views women as one-dimensional creatures.”
With original songs by musical directors Jon Monteverde and Greg Sydlowski, “Manic Pixie Dreamland” takes place in a cult-like center where all of the world’s Manic Pixie Dream Girls are manufactured and trained. The audience takes a tuneful tour, with heaping servings of satire, as it meets the Girls. They are the stalwart heroine Tomboy, plus Chatterbox, Foreign, Mysterious, Brown-Nose, and Etsy. Through Tomboy’s encouragement and enlightenment, the women form a sisterly bond to combat the show’s shady villain, the Dream Queen.
The cast includes Annoyance regulars: Mo Allen, Sarah Ashley, Rachel Farmer, Amber Gerencher, Clair Mulaney, Jo Scott, and Amy Speckien.
Along with movie-lovers, “Manic Pixie Dreamland” is expected to appeal to feminists, and to other groups who may feel themselves stereotyped by pop culture and the media. “And of course, anyone who enjoys Annoyance’s usual lighthearted-confrontational take on any social issue.” says Executive Producer Jennifer Estlin. “Manic Pixie Dreamland” plays Saturdays and runs through May 18, 2013, 8 p.m. Tickets are $20, $15 for students. For more information, view the Annoyance website www.theannoyance.com or call the box office: 773.561.HONK (4665). The Annoyance is located at 4830 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL. 60640.
*Nathan Rabin, head writer for The Onion’s AV Club, is credited with coining the term, Manic Pixie Dream Girl.
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