Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog Live!: Odd Lot Productions

When the media landscape changes, it only makes sense to look further afield for material when looking to expand the dramatic canon.

Though this might seem a touch grandiose when discussing Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, it is nonetheless fitting in describing precisely what occurred this past weekend at Muse Arts Warehouse when the Odd Lot (Savannah's resident improv troupe) presented a stage adaptation of the same.

Chronicling the story of a low-rent super-villain on his quest to join the "Evil League of Evil" and find the courage to profess his feelings to Penny (played by Lynita Spivey), an acquaintance made at the local laundromat, the script made its debut as an internet video starring Neil Patrick Harris. That the video achieved viral status is a testament to the music, writing, and general fun of the story.

And, in its Savannah stage premier, the cast of the Odd Lot has done it justice. With capable direction and cast, the live transition is made as smooth as possible for something written with sound-byte internet cinema in mind. Indeed, it renders the copious apologetics issued by the production staff prior to curtain unnecessary.

Though rocky at points, the Odd Lot finds its greatest success here when indulging in the invention and self-referential humour for which they are known. The continual return of a homeless man who "will accompany for food" (Played by Tim Reynolds) to provide underscoring is one simple example of this show at its best. Indeed, their greatest accomplishment in the cozy relationship with a Youtube meme is that they have managed the difficult feat of creating an "event."

Such "events" are rare, and have most recently been seen in Savannah's ubiquitous productions of The Rocky Horror Show. However, unlike Rocky Horror, this production has not yet had a chance to ossify into a creature capable of inducing shudders upon receiving the announcements of its revival. Congratulations to the Odd Lot on their first foray into production.

By Joss Whedon; directed by Chris Soucy; An Odd Lot Production. At the Muse Arts Freight Station, 703D Louisville Road, Savannah; (912) 713-1137. August 27-28.

WITH: Justin P. Kent (Dr. Horrible), Lynita Spivey (Penny), Ryan McConnell (Captain Hammer), Gabe Reynolds (Moist), Trish McKay (Bad Horse Chorus/ Crazy Fan), Tim Reynolds (Bad Horse Chorus/ Homeless Guy), Megan Jones (Bad Horse Chorus/ Crazy Fan), Timmy Vo (Bad Horse Chorus/ Crazy Fan), Hai Dang (Bad Horse Chorus/ Mayor).