Review: Dumpster Kat The Musical

Tonight was a first for me in the realm of musical theater. I had the pleasure and honor to be in the audience for a fledgling musical called Dumpster Kat The Musical. It debuted at Mount Ida Preservation Hall, a former church located in Troy, New York. I racked my brain and still do not recall seeing a brand new musical until tonight. It was thrilling to know that someone with a dream persevered and that dream finally came to fruition. It was a magical performance with insightful characters, dynamic music and fantastic community support.

Conceived by Peggy Smulsky a/k/a Peggy of Troy the musical is based on characters from her comic book Moochie the Dumpster Kat. It has been the proverbial labor of love for Peggy and was enhanced by the talents of Niki Kaos. The songs were rhythmic, bright and infectious. Peggy wrote the lyrics in seven of the songs and the music was penned by Niki. Peggy and Niki co-directed and starred in the show with Drew Gates and Rob Smittix. Drew and Rob were gifted and nuanced in their performances

The show has a Narrator who guides the audience through the scenes with Moochie, Shopping Kart Man and Shopping Bag Lady. The portrayal of these individuals who are living on the streets are interesting, discerning and humorous. The addition of live music by Bob Donald and Fred Bulmer of Curious Comet’s reinforced the songs’ haunting subjects of homelessness and hunger by humans and animals. There were some technical difficulties, but the cast, crew and audience took it in stride and the show went on.

The community support was tremendous. Close to hundred people packed the former sanctuary at Mount Ida Preservation Hall, which is wonderful for their premiere. The audience was greeted with gracious volunteers, tickets to purchase for general admission seating, a program, and opportunities to buy merchandise and snacks. It was a pleasure to witness.

I know that Moochie and her friends will be back on stage in the near future. I look forward to the next iteration of this very entertaining show.

Dumpster Kat The MusicalPhoto byCarol Durant