If you thought you knew what happened between Cleopatra and Mark Antony, or what Julius Caesar was really like, “The Sphinx Winx” will turn your world upside-down (and fill it with laughs).
“The Sphinx Winx” is a musical comedy that actually had its beginnings over 50 years ago, when a much longer and larger version of the show was created. It has been reworked into a combination of Vaudeville and modern musical theatre, as it caricatures the aforementioned historical figures and often borders on the absurd.
The plot focuses on the arrival of Mark Antony to Egypt, where Cleo and Caesar have been living for years, along with Caesar’s not-so-talented daughter and Cleo’s beautiful chief handmaiden. The Soothsayer predicts that Mark Antony will pursue Cleopatra, but somehow not everything goes as planned.
The comedy starts before any of the actors take the stage. If you look closely at the hieroglyphics, you can make out the Geico gecko and Aflac duck among the other symbols. There are also contemporary references scattered throughout the play, and these jokes get the biggest laughs.
All six of the actors are very talented, especially as they switch effortlessly between numerous characters. At the reviewed performance, favorites were Rebecca Riker and Beth Cheryl Tarnow, who are particularly hilarious as a lawyer and judge, respectively. Riker is also incredible as the handmaiden Cretia, with an amazing voice.
The show might not satiate audiences looking for a serious night at the theatre. But “The Sphinx Winx” is perfect for those seeking a lighthearted, silly and somewhat absurd musical with a little romance thrown in for good measure.
Regular ticket prices are $56.25. TicketNews readers can save 53 percent off ticket face values when they use “The Sphinx Winx” discount code NEWS.
“The Sphinx Winx” is currently playing at Theatre Row – The Beckett Theatre, located at 410 West 42nd Street in New York, NY. The regular production schedule includes performances at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays, 8 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. on Saturdays, and 3 p.m. on Sundays. The show runs about 90 minutes, with no intermission.
“The Sphinx Winx” was reviewed in participation with TicketNews’ Discount Theatre Program, which provides unique discount codes for Broadway, Off-Broadway, and other theatrical productions. For more information on the program or enrolling a production, visit our Discount Theatre Program page or e-mail Liz Hoffman.
