I just saw a totally charming little musical that should be required viewing for NYC BUSTies and their besties! Written and performed by super-talented real-life BFFs Melanie Adelman and Ellie Dvorkin , MEL AND EL: SHOW AND TELL grabbed me by the ovaries the minute I walked into the Ars Nova theater . The shows’ scenic design consists of a Barbie-pink room decorated with tons of amazing ’80s ephemera representing the era when the pair met at age 12. As I gawked open-mouthed at their collection of posters and collectibles featuring Madonna, Grace Jones, Michael Jackson, Prince, Lionel Richie, Paula Abdul, Meatloaf, Breakfast Club, Pretty In Pink, and even a Johnny Depp poster circa 21 Jump Street that I totally recognized from my own Junior High bedroom, I knew these broads were speaking my language.
Then the exuberant pair took the stage, and they weren’t just speaking it, they were singing it, dancing it, and generally impressing the hell out of me as they mined their 20-year friendship for all it’s worth. I don’t want to give away any of the outrageous surprises this imaginative little show dishes up, but suffice it to say it’s a girl-culture bonanza that totally affirms why keeping close to your best friend is the best decision a confused 30-something city gal can make.
