The QMunity production of The Fowl is musical parody of Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds, told in two acts. In the first act, the story of birds attacking a town on Bodega Bay in California is told much as the Hitch told it in 1963 — although with a cast of 21 kids under the age of 12. The second act is the same story, told from the perspective of the birds themselves.
The Birds, loosely based on a short story by Daphne du Maurier, was one of Hitchcock’s most effective films, and the ominous scenes of birds gathering on power lines and watching their intended victims from a distance before the attacks remains a powerful image for people who have seen the film. The question of why the birds attack is never answered in the original film, but The Fowl gives an entirely reasonable explanation — revenge for all the rotten things human beings say about them (“bird brain,” “chicken with a head cut off”), and do to them (KFC, and turduckens anyone?). Triggered by the outrage of two lovebirds kept in a cage, the birds organize to protest their abuse the only way they know how — dive-bombing, eye-pecking, and terrorizing.
A great cast of kids (and one adult, Carrie Morgan) pulled this parody off with few glitches on opening night. Original songs like “Cover Your Eyes” showcase director/creator Ben Asaykwee’s ability to carry the story forward with sly humor and solid tunes.
“Special effects” created by overhead projectors add to the fun of The Fowl. The creative team deserves a round of applause for keeping the show moving along and looking great.
The Fowl shows through May 19, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for students and seniors. Get tickets online at www.brownpapertickets.com or call 677-5317.
