by Evan Harris

I love theatre, but it’s not my only passion. I also love cooking, video games, and Dungeons and Dragons. Today, though, I want to focus on two things close to my heart: comic books and New Jersey.

In 1978, my dad opened El Dorado Comics, a store that closed before I was born. Still, his love for superheroes, art, and community shaped me deeply. This passion brings me to The Toxic Avenger—New Jersey’s “first” superhero and the subject of South Camden Theatre Company’s first-ever musical, directed by Joel Guerrero.

You may not realize it, but some major superheroes hail from the Garden State: Kamala Khan, AKA Ms. Marvel (fun fact, Kamala Khan’s name is pronounced the same way presidential candidate and diseased pumpkin Donald Trump mispronounces the future president’s name. (Also, vote.), Janet Van Dyne (Wasp), Tommy Shepherd (Speed), and Gotham City is often set in North Jersey. Yet none of these characters hold the same place in my heart as The Toxic Avenger.

As a child, I was obsessed with the Toxic Crusaders cartoon, where Toxie and his mutant team fought pollution and corporate greed. The show was goofy, reminiscent of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. But the original Toxic Avenger film is far from kid-friendly—violent, dirty, and campy in the best way.

I’ve rambled a bit, but I say all this because I walked into the theatre with high expectations. I know what Toxie should be, and I’d hate to see him misrepresented. I also believe not everything needs a musical adaptation (looking at you, Mean Girls) so I was a little wary of what this show might be. That said, SCTC’s production of The Toxic Avenger: The Musical delivered one of the most fun nights of theatre I’ve had in a long time.

This was actually my first time ever visiting this particular theater. The theater itself is small but I was very impressed by just how nice it was inside. Impeccably clean, well decorated, and a gorgeous bar where you can enjoy snacks and alcoholic beverages. On the way to the restrooms, you can stop and admire photos from all of the plays they had done previously. It was nice to see a local theater that understands the importance and magic of plays in a world focused almost exclusively on musical theater. The house is also pretty small, likely less than a hundred seats but I failed to count. But the small house size served the show quite well as our actors would frequently break the 4th wall and interact with audience members. But more on that later.

I was struck by the set when I first walked into the house. Scenic designer Robert Bingaman made a clever, industrial-inspired design that featured an entrance on both sides of the stage, stairs to an upper level (both onstage and behind the facade), and a large central doorway that reminded me of the Fallout series. In addition to the clever construction that even featured a hidden library that pulled out from the wall, I was really impressed by the paint job. The entire set truly looked as if it was constructed from metal decades ago. I also loved the foaming toxic waste that oozed from various spots on the stage. The fluorescent paint would glow under certain lights, a simple yet brilliant effect that drove home the schlocky sci-fi vibe. It instantly transports you to the fictional toxic waste dump of a city, Tromaville, New Jersey.

The lighting, as done by Hunter A. Mountz, weren’t overly complex but certainly effective. Characters had signature colors that were often reinforced during their songs. Many of the songs had a ”concert vibe” when it came to the lighting which elevated the rock score throughout. 

Speaking of the score, the live pit was just awesome. It was led by pianist and musical director, David Schwartz. Alongside him were Steve Pappaterra, Corinne Kite-Dean, Will Shea, Scott Porreca. This show could have used tracks, sure. Most theaters around here do. But this band was just so punk rock. They had attitude and reflected it in their playing. In addition, the harmonies of our small cast were so incredibly tight. The hard work of the cast and Schwartz were front and center from start to finish. 

I also really loved the props featured throughout. This is a prop-heavy show in a relatively small space so Pam Stanley, prop manager, needed to be creative and they very much delivered. The production fully embraced its camp aesthetic (more on that later!), with intentionally low-budget props that added to the charm and humor of the show. A standout moment was when a character’s arm was ripped off, hilariously replaced by a mannequin arm with red paint acting as blood. Far from being a distraction, these over-the-top choices enhanced the darkly playful and irreverent tone of the performance, turning what could have been a weakness into one of the production’s greatest strengths.

The costumes were also a blast to witness. Since some of our actors played numerous characters, there was a fair amount of quick-changing between (and during) scenes. The costumer, Louise Gareau, managed to create a series of costumes that were highly effective in portraying the various characters while still being simple enough that an actor could quickly throw one off and replace it with another in a very short amount of time. The best costume comes at the end of Act 1. I go a little more in depth on that later but I will not spoil the surprising and hilarious costume that closes out the first half of the show.  All that being said, I will say that Toxie’s costume could have used maybe a touch more attention. I don’t think any aspect of it was “bad,” per se, but some minor changes could ultimately enhance the entire costume. For example, the green muscle suit was untucked under his shirt and you could see the openings of the sleeves where the actor’s real hands extended from. I know I just praised the show for having intentionally low-budget props, but this felt a little different in that these were things that could have been altered but were not. Despite this, it in no way diminished my enjoyment of the show. Also, a big shout out to Ryan Smith who designed the hideous Toxie mask worn by Andrew Bozelli. It was grotesque and beautiful. I’m very impressed by how little it seemed to impede Bozelli’s performance. 

Mackenzie Newbury choreographed this wild show which had to be a big challenge. With a show as outrageous as this one, it would be easy for the choreography to be overshadowed by the music. But Newbury went above and beyond in achieving choreography that was just as wild as the show itself. These five actors pulled off daring and acrobatic moves in several different numbers. At one point, Toxie flipped his girlfriend, Sarah, around his shoulder and held her up in the air, all while singing. In a different song, two henchmen lifted the villainous mayor into the air as she… well… I won’t go into too much detail but maybe leave the kids at home for this show. Talk about core strength, I’ll tell ya. 

The show started with two actors, William McHattie and James Joseph Edward Jesberger, Jr., entering through the house and getting right in the faces of the audience, immediately setting the tone for the next 2 and a half hours. Let me just say that McHattie and Jesberger, Jr. were absolutely hilarious. You could tell these two actors greatly enjoyed the material as well as each other. These two actors, more or less, made up the entire ensemble of the show. This show only featured 5 actors so McHattie and Jesberger, Jr. portrayed well over 6 different characters throughout the show and did so hysterically. On top of all that, they were both just excellent singers. McHattie also led the band with an acoustic guitar he played live. I was constantly impressed by their wit juxtaposed against the sheer absurdity they brought to the table. 

Another actor who managed to play more than one character was Neena Boyle, who briefly played a foul-mouthed nun but truly shined playing our antagonist’s chain-smoking, Jersey broad of a mother and the protagonist, the evil and sex-crazed mayor. Good God, this actor is hilarious. Between her over-the-top character work and stunning vocals, she stole every scene she was in. The peak of her performance came at the finale of Act 1 where her two primary characters have a confrontation that results in her singing a show-stopping duet with herself, while simultaneously beating the crap out of herself. It was very reminiscent of Confrontation from Jekyll & Hyde The Musical, except this version is slightly more unhinged and a hell of a lot funnier. Boyle is the kind of actor that you seek out regardless of the show.

Shannon Sullivan played the blind librarian and love interest of our titular character, Sarah. Sullivan’s voice was absolutely incredible. During one particular song, Sullivan sang in whistle tones that were so effortless, I almost couldn’t believe it was her singing them. And don’t let me forget her physical comedy. This is an actor who is absolutely fearless onstage. Slapstick is such a tricky thing to pull off well but I had so much fun watching Sullivan stumble about the set. She managed to maintain the illusion of being blind throughout the entire show, which is a feat in and of itself. 

I saved our protagonist, Melvin Ferd the Third (better known as The Toxic Avenger, or Toxie for short), for last because actor Andrew Bozelli had one of the hardest jobs of the entire cast. Bozelli spent the majority of the show clad in a green-skinned muscle suit and a mask that almost completely covered his face. An actor’s face is one of their most important tools. Taking that away forces the actor to express themselves almost exclusively through physical acting. Bozelli managed to capture the meekness, grief, joy, and rage that The Toxic Avenger is known for. For a big green monster with his eyeball dangling from his head, one could imagine how difficult it would be to take this character seriously. And let’s be honest, very little of this insane show takes itself seriously. But Bozelli manages to make you really feel for this hulking mutant whose normal life was taken away from him. Particularly during his song, “You Tore My Heart Out,” where Toxie laments the pain he’s enduring. Bozelli’s voice has a kindness and gentleness to it that really sells the depression that accompanies being a geek turned freak. Maybe I’m taking the song a bit too seriously. He does at one point sing regret for tearing a man’s head off with his bare hands. But I think the thing I enjoyed most about the entire show was how effectively it pulled off the campiness of the material. 

This is a production that understands camp. Webster defines “Camp” as “something so outrageously artificial, affected, inappropriate, or out-of-date as to be considered amusing” and “a style or mode of personal or creative expression that is absurdly exaggerated and often fuses elements of high and popular culture.” I find these definitions to be missing something. While Camp is often described as tacky, kitschy, garish, and over the top, I believe that true Camp requires sincerity, above all. Sincerity is what separates Camp from simple tackiness. This is a show full of nonsense, chaos, and filth (literally and otherwise). But our actors and the characters they embody took everything so seriously. You can see the amount of hard work that went into this production. Everything was intentional and effective. The performances were extreme and zany but never at the cost of their characters’ truth. I think a lot of credit needs to be given to director Joel Guerrero. Everything about this production demonstrated a deep understanding of the style and humor found in this unique genre. 

I’m going to end my review by saying this: this show probably isn’t for everyone. It’s trashy. The show is full of sex, drugs, and violence. I wouldn’t necessarily consider this show politically correct either. But those aren’t weaknesses, they’re strengths. This is a show that knows exactly what it is. It’s absolutely hysterical. It was one of the funniest shows I’ve seen in ages! And the talent put forth by literally every member of this production deserves to be seen by many more people. Leave grandma at home and enjoy this raunchy, gut-busting fever dream of a musical. I can’t think of a better way to kick off Spooky Season than by watching a hideous monster and a blind nymphomaniac sing a love ballad into a dildo as a microphone. 

“I do things the Jersey way, so there’s only one thing to say. I’m just a Jersey gal, a feisty femme fatale. I’ll be living on a prayer.”  

As much as I’d like to pretend that these words have been lifted from yours truly’s autobiography, I’m obligated to tell you that they are the lyrics from the song “Jersey Girl” of the criminally underrated (this author’s opinion) musical “The Toxic Avenger.” With a book by Joe DiPietro, scribe of such works as “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change,” “Memphis,” and “Nice Work If You Can Get It” and music by David Bryan, who is perhaps best known as the keyboardist for the band Bon Jovi, the musical is based on a 1984 film of the same name and it just screams New Jersey. Understand that I mean this in the best way possible.  

DiPietro and Bryan are Jersey boys themselves, and this show delivers plenty of good-natured ribbing at the expense of the state we call home. After all, its premise largely relies on the fact that New Jersey is simply a dumping ground for New York’s toxic waste. Thankfully, the state of “haters,” as established by our own New Jersey X account, can laugh at itself.

While the show was first produced in 2008 by George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick, NJ, it then traveled to the New World Stages in New York City before taking off on a US tour, followed by productions in Australia and Europe. Sixteen years later, it has now made its way back to the Garden State, gracing the South Camden Theatre Company stage in, you guessed it, Camden, NJ. Directed by Joel Guerrero and starring Andrew Bozzelli as the titular character Toxie (Melvin), Neena Boyle as the Mayor, and more, Shannon Sullivan as Sarah the Blind Librarian, with William R. McHattie and James Joseph Edward Jesberge Jr. rounding out the cast, this production will mark South Camden Theatre Company’s first ever musical.

We can thank SCTC Artistic Director Dawn Varava for bringing a musical to the space for the first time. Likening the show to a combination of two of her favorites, “Rocky Horror Picture Show” and “Young Frankenstein,” Varava raves about the humor of this production. A departure from the more serious plays of this season, she acknowledges the polarity between shows.  “The cast themselves look like they’re having so much fun that you can’t help but have fun as well, and I hope the audience finds that fun and just laughs and laughs with us.”

The Toxic Avenger, Andrew Bozzelli, radiates joy as he explains his love for this production. “One thing that I was really excited for with this show is that it’s less well-known. It’s almost like a blank slate in that way. It feels like we are creating, in the truest sense of that term.” It is evident in speaking to Andrew and his costar Neena, who has the distinct pleasure of playing three characters and sometimes two at once, that this cast truly enjoys one another.

Neena confirms this, saying, “This cast is absolutely unbelievable. We are having the most fun playing and finding the moments with each other. I’m really excited to be making history for this company while having so much fun!”

And if you’re wondering what kind of music can convey a satirical environmental message, consider a Bon Jovi catalog injected with show tunes and the comic wit of a deeply jaded Jerseyan. While the show touches on the dangers of mistreating our planet, it certainly doesn’t feel like a lecture. Rather, the musical is camp to its core, honoring the cult classic film that bears its name. It leads with humor and rock and roll music. If you happen to see it as a parable, so be it.

Varava brought this script to the SCTC board, hoping it would be a feasible undertaking for a theater that had not yet waded into the musical space. They had to consider cast size and design as musicals tend to be grand in nature, and their space is compact in stature. Boasting a stage of twenty-five feet across and fifteen feet deep, the space requires a bit of ingenuity, but once the board had fallen in love with the script, they were determined to make it work. SCTC Board President and Scenic Designer for “The Toxic Avenger,” Robert Bingaman, rose to the challenge to design a space that set the scene for the unlikely, attractively challenged hero, Toxie. “We had to find someplace to put the musicians, but it was a bit of a challenge! We built a second level with the main action happening below,” says Bingaman.  

Both cast and crew have been relatively coy in describing the show, not wanting to give too much away. Having seen the show in its early years, this author respects the element of surprise. However, it is a fair warning to say that it would behoove audiences to be prepared for anything. By that I mean, you may want to leave the little ones, or anyone offended by a PG-13 type rating, at home.  

As director Joel Guerrero puts it, “this is a great parents’ night out, date night kind of thing. Have grandma and grandpa watch the kids. Take your spouse and your significant other out, and get ready to laugh. I think in today’s world, especially with elections going on and everything, we need a place where we can leave it all at the door and, as a group, laugh and have a great time and enjoy wonderful vocalists singing hilarious music. This is that opportunity; this is the place to do that. The cast is phenomenal. The set is phenomenal. It’s a great show all around.”

Neena Boyle adds, “I think it’s more fun when you go in blind for something like this. I would just say, be prepared to have a good time. Strap in and enjoy the ride.”  

Making an important point, Guerrero continues, “I don’t think Camden understands the gem that they have in their backyard. This is my third show to direct here, and my fourth to work with, and I just wish that more people from the area would come out and give it a chance. It really is a true gem to have this level of artistic excellence in your backyard. Why not take advantage of it.”

As an added bonus, Camden residents benefit from a $5 admission price, thanks to a grant from Holman Enterprises. The theatre encourages its local residents to take advantage of this discount! The standard ticket price for anyone living outside of Camden is $25 however there are group and industry discounts available as well for $15. Make it a fun night out with friends and save some money!

For those worrying about Camden’s reputation, the South Camden Theater Company team would like to assuage your concerns. Bingaman, a local, calls Camden “a beautiful place to live” and encourages others unfamiliar with the area to make the journey to discover it for themselves. Even more so, he encourages locals to experience live theater around the corner from home.  

Varava wants you to know “that where we are is safe, and it’s a lovely theater. Camden is a place that people seem afraid to go to, but when people do come here to our theater, the first thing they say is ‘Oh my god, this is a beautiful theater! You guys are wonderful. This is great!’ And then they bring more people!”

Andrew Bozzelli as Melvin & Toxie

He/Him

 Andrew Bozzelli (Melvin/Toxie) is excited to make his SCTC debut in The Toxic Avenger! He’s an AMDA graduate and is based in the greater Philadelphia region. After a slight COVID detour, he graduated from Temple in May with dual finance and risk management degrees. He’s excited to have more time to do what he loves now and would like to thank Micaela for her support throughout the last 2 years. Recent credits: Assistant Director for Newsies (PCS); Danny Zuko, Grease (BToP); Buck, Bonnie, and Clyde (Media Theatre); C’s Prince/Wolf, Into the Woods (BToP); Nigel, Something Rotten! (BToP); Shakespeare, (PCS); Ens. U/S, The Little Mermaid (WST). IG: @andrew_bozzelli 

Neena Boyle as the Mayor & Mother

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Neena was last seen on the SCTC stage as Judy in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, and is so excited to be back! Select regional credits: Moon Over Buffalo, Hello, Dolly!, Into the Woods, The Sound of Music (Candlelight Theatre); Beirut (Casabuena Cultural Productions); Billy Elliot (BToP); King Lear (Bristol Riverside); Rocky (Walnut Street Theatre). BFA from UArts. Huge thanks to Joel, David, Meghan, and the whole team for this amazing opportunity! For Billy, my Hot Toxic Love, who finally got trapped into doing a musical with me; endless love, as always. www.neenaboyle.com 

Shannon Sullivan as Sarah

She/Her

Shannon is excited to be making her SCTC debut! Recent: Without a Cue Production’s Slay and the City (Charlotte). Walnut Street Theatre Credits: A Christmas Carol (Belle & others), Beautiful (Cynthia, u/s), The Big Bad Bullysaurus (Terry Pterodactyl), and Two Bugs are Better Than One (Ann the Bee). Proud UArts alum. She thanks her family, friends, creative team and cast during this show.

William R. McHattie as Dude 1

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William, a local Philadelphia actor, is delighted to make his premier with South Camden Theatre Company! He has been seen around Philadelphia at the Arden, Broadway theatre of Pitman, Candlelight Theatre, Fever Dream, and the Walnut. He can also be seen playing rock and roll around the Philly/South Jersey Scene. Mkay I love you buh-bye!” 

James Joseph Edward Jesberger Jr. – Guy 2

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James Joseph Edward Jesberger Jr. but please call him Jimmy for short is excited to not only make his debut in a SCTC production but to also be back on stage; which many of us call home. Jimmy is a performance artist on and off stage, born and raised in Philly; “Represent!” He graduated from Arcadia with his BFA in Acting and decided that he must do everything that makes him feel at home. Over the last couple of years, Jimmy has been more on the Music Direction side, directing shows like Addams Family The Musical, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, and Legally Blonde the Musical, but you can always see him running around all of Philly, with his best friends as he switches through many hats. Jimmy wants to thank his mom and friends for dealing with him. He’d also love to thank SCTC for bringing him on to be his true DUDE self and showing him that New Jersey may not be all that bad. Looking at you Ryan… Thank you all <3 Always A Touch of Change

August Fen Deluca – Stage Manager

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August is thrilled to be back with SCTC for another season. Some of their previous stage management credits include The Legend of Georgia McBride (SCTC), Who’s Holiday? (SCTC), and Heathers (Ritz Theatre, Oaklyn). They are a graduate of Camden County College’s theatre program and work as an early childhood paraprofessional during the day. August would like to thank their partner and family for all their support. 

Mr. Joel Guerrero — Director

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Joel is originally from San Angelo, Texas, and has been a Philadelphia Actor/Director for 10+ years. This is his 3rd show as a director with SCTC. Previous works include Daphne’s Dive, and last season’s, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Joel first came to SCTC as an actor in The House of Blue Leaves. He thanks his wife, Colleen, for introducing him to such a wonderful company. Joel is honored to direct the premier musical here at South Camden Theatre Company!

David Schwartz – Musical Director

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David A. Schwartz (Music Director) is so happy to be music directing at SCTC for the first time and returning to The Toxic Avenger, which he previously acted in as Dude 1!  Previous music directing credits include Big Fish (Eastern University), Newsies (Players Club of Swarthmore), A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder (Playcrafters of Skippack), Dreamgirls (Wilmington Drama League), A New Brain (Players Club of Swarthmore), and youth classes at the Walnut Street Theatre.  He’s played piano in pit orchestras for Mary Poppins (Media Theatre), Matilda (Methacton Community Theatre), and Elf (Willow Manor Players).  He previously worked as a Piano Accompanist/Music Coach for the musical theatre majors and minors at University of the Arts, where he graduated from with a BFA in Musical Theatre Performance.  He’s also acted in shows such as Heathers (Prince Music Theatre, Regional Premiere), How to Succeed…(Candlelight Dinner Theatre), Merton of the Movies (Main Street Musicals), The Music Man (Ritz Theatre), The Producers (Broadway Theatre of Pitman), and Sweeney Todd (Broadway Theatre of Pitman).  He’d like to thank his family and friends for their love and continued support.

Mackenzie Newbury – Choreographer

She/Her

Mackenzie holds a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. She has lived and worked extensively in the DC, NYC, and Philadelphia regions. Until its recent closure, she taught tap at the University of the Arts. She is an award-winning dance competition choreographer in the Musical Theater category and assistant choreographed a production of Silence: the Musical which won the Washington, DC regional theatre award for Best Choreography. Favorite choreography credits include Grease, Young Frankenstein, and Mamma Mia. As a performer, her favorite roles include Sally Bowles (Cabaret, Candlelight Theatre), Ulla (The Producers, Bucks County Center for the Performing Arts), Fiona (Shrek, Allenberry Playhouse), Lois/Bianca (Kiss Me Kate, Broadway Theatre of Pitman with director Joel Guerrero) and Linda Mason (Holiday Inn, the Levoy Theatre) as well as Maria (Sound of Music), Elle (Legally Blonde), Mallory/Avril (City of Angels), Nellie (South Pacific) and more! She is a recent transplant to New Jersey and is grateful to Joel, Dawn, and everyone at South Camden Theatre Company for the opportunity to work in a new space. You can take tap lessons from Mackenzie @_MTKenzie on YouTube and find out more about her at www.Mackenzie-Newbury.com.

Hunter Mountz – Lighting Designer

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Hunter is a Philadelphia-based theatre and dance lighting designer whose previous design credits include The Lightning Thief (Triple Threat Theatre Company), Who’s Holiday (South Camden Theatre Company) Into the Woods, The Laramie Project, Bedroom Farce (Salem State University) Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Mamma Mia! , The SpongeBob Musical (Panthers-on-Parade) Dare to Dream, and When Worlds Collide (SSU Repertory Dance Theatre). Hunter also received the Excellence in Lightning Design award from the 2021 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. 

Pam Staley – Props

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Pam is delighted to be working in theatre with her friend Dawn Varava here at SCTC. Her past experiences included managing props and all things backstage for Dawn during many of her school productions. She has been jumping in to help SCTC be the best we can be for the last several shows.

Louise Gareau – Costume Designer

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Louise recently joined SCTC’s creative team after working as a costumer for her daughter’s music teacher’s productions. She’s delighted to be spreading her wings with our work on stage, and she couldn’t have picked a better show to do so.