UNSUNG: The Accidental Villains of History
Created by Mackenzie Langdon
Produced by Duck and Roll Theatre, Toronto
Review by Katie Carson
55 min / PG / Musical, Sketch, Comedy / Violence, Abrupt Loud Noise
The sinking of the Titanic, the French Revolution, and the Great Chicago Fire—all events that stand out as some of history’s most notorious disasters. But who was to blame for these catastrophes? UNSUNG: The Accidental Villains of History seeks to remedy this gap in the historical record by telling the stories of the greatest unintentional bad guys the past has to offer as told through the most villainous artistic medium—musical theatre!
Mackenzie Langdon and Dawson Fleming in UNSUNG: The Accidental Villains of History. Photo provided.
This uproarious musical comedy is built on a series of vignettes, each with an original song to tell the tale of history’s little-known villains; from the soldier who let in the Trojan horse, to the admissions director who rejected Hitler from arts school. The four-person cast pulls far more than their weight, taking on a different character in each scene.
Mackenzie Langdon and Dawson Fleming in UNSUNG: The Accidental Villains of History. Photo provided.
The enthusiasm and chemistry of the cast are palpable as they throw themselves into each new character. Their strong acting and singing are well supported by playwright Mackenzie Langdon, whose mastery of dialogue, musical composition and comedic timing is nothing short of impressive.
Cast of UNSUNG: The Accidental Villains of History. Photo provided.
The entire cast and crew deserve commendation for taking on the challenge of presenting a fully cohesive musical in such a short run-time. For lovers of comedy and tragedy alike, UNSUNG is sure to entertain!
UNSUNG: The Accidental Villains of History played at Arts Court Theatre from June 13–22. Visit the Ottawa Fringe Festival’s website for the show’s schedule and check out their online schedule here.
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