Infectiously Funny (CompanyOutCast)
- stagedoorlouisville
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Guy Who Didn't Like Musicals Music and Lyrics by Jeff Blim Book by Nick Lang and Matt Lang Directed by Gabriel Petri Music Directors Zye Reid and Arianna Hart
Review by Erin Hargan
Entire contents are copyright © 2026 Erin Hargan. All rights reserved.
The Company OutCast production of The Guy Who Didn't Like Musicals at Highview Arts Center brings to the Louisville stage the cult favorite horror-comedy musical originally created by StarKid Productions, with music and lyrics by Jeff Blim and book by Nick Lang and Matt Lang. Company OutCast presents the production with enthusiasm, delivering a show that cleverly blends science fiction, parody, and classic musical theatre elements.
Set in an ordinary, small town called Hatchetfield, the story follows Paul, an average office worker who simply does not like musicals. Unfortunately for him, the townspeople suddenly begin breaking into song, whether they want to or not. What begins as a strange nuisance quickly descends into a full-blown musical apocalypse, forcing Paul and a few unlikely companions to figure out what’s happening before the entire town joins in the song and dance. Dustin Behr plays this part well with a dry humor and energy that makes him relatable to the audience, even as his world, quite literally, falls apart and he is forced into this musical nightmare. Behr does a great job using Paul’s awkward song and dance moves to show just how much he hates musicals, right up until he finally gives in to the alien force hive mind overtaking Hatchetfield.
The energy of the cast fuels both the comedy and the growing sense of chaos in this once-seemingly ordinary town. The characters are presented as exaggerated versions of everyday folks, showing the absurdity of the events unfolding in Hatchetfield. The music numbers are upbeat, catchy, and often very funny, helping move the story forward while keeping the energy high. The choreography is lively, with a lot of group movement that makes the stage feel busy and energetic.. Together, the music and movement make the show fun to watch and help emphasize how quickly things spiral out of control in Hatchetville.
Standouts include Josh Frost in the role of Sam Sweetly, a shady, self servicing police officer trying to make sense of the situation, while hiding the truth of his infidelity, before he falls victim to the hive mind. Frost moves between comedic moments and more serious reactions to events, delivering exaggerated movements and vocals. The cast as a whole delivers campy, high-energy performances which keeps the songs lively, comedic, and consistently entertaining.
Whether you’re a musical fan or, like Paul, you’d rather be doing something else, this production is fun, hilarious, and full of infectious energy, pun intended!
The Guy Who Didn't Like Musicals CompanyOutCast
April 17-19, 24-26 @ 7:30 pm April 19 & 26 @ 2:30 pm Highview Arts Center 7406 Fegenbush Ln
Louisville, KY 40228