Musical Monday: Spies are Forever

"Spies never die, Spies are Forever."

Spies are forever is an original musical written by the theater troupe ‘Tin Can Brothers’. The show is set in the 1960’s and parodies numerous films from the spy genre. ‘Spies are Forever’ focuses on two spies, Agent Curt Mega(played by, you guessed it Curt Mega) and Owen Carvour (played by Joey Richter) and all the shenanigans they get up to. It is no longer being performed, although high quality recordings uploaded by ‘Tin Can Bros’ themselves are up on YouTube for free. So, after you read this, run don’t walk to watch this beautiful show for yourself. With the Wikipedia section through, let’s get into it.

‘Spies are Forever’, though often defined as a comedy is so much more than that. This is perhaps the only show that can pull off a singing N*zi as well as tragic commentary on the Lavender scare with no whiplash. At first glance it appears that the show is a classic take on the spy genre, with macho spies, femme fatales, and evil villains. However, as you watch it, it soon becomes clear that this show a parody of all that came before it, poking light fun at the ridiculousness of the genre, while still telling a compelling story. So what makes ‘Spies are Forever’ the best musical ever? And yes, I understand that ‘the best musical ever’ is subjective, and if you disagree with me then I respect your opinion even though it’s wrong. Well, I’d say that this show is made great because it gets subversion right.

 

Spoilers Ahead! Well, don't say I didn't warn you. 
When we're first introduced to Tatiana, I figured she'd be the femme fatale that Curt can't help but fall for and almost groaned at the predictability of it all. However, as their completely platonic friendship grows, I got the sense that I was in for a very unpredictable show. Later, as I began to wonder if *wink wink nudge nudge* Curt and Owen were more than just roommates, I was convinced that TCB wouldn't address this issue more than just dropping vague hints for their queer audience to follow. It shouldn't surprise you that once again I was wrong, man I really need to stop making guesses. Not only was I taken aback by their bold handing of this issue, but I was happy to see them take full responsibility of their queer character, refusing to back down even in the face of homophobia that exists today.

This show is truly one of the most well made musicals I have ever seen, with a score that pumps out bangers after banger, characters that are funny, interesting and engaging, and truly some of the most quotable lines ever. Now if you will excuse me I will be crying at Curt Mega saying "OWEN?" for the next eight hours. 

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