’50 Shades! The Musical’ is set to run at the Southern Theatre from Jan. 21-22.
Credit: Courtesy of Michael Brosilow
Fans of weekday musicals are able to see something edgier this week.
The racy book series, “Fifty Shades of Grey,” has turned into a satirical musical, and it is showing at Columbus’ Southern Theatre Tuesday and Wednesday at 8 p.m.
Published in 2011, the trilogy has sold more than 90 million copies worldwide as many readers fell for the love story between Christian Grey and Anastasia “Ana” Steele.
The story follows Steele, a recent college graduate, as she is seduced by Grey, an older, successful entrepreneur, into a sexual relationship that revolves around bondage and masochism.
In “50 Shades! The Musical,” the audience follows the story of three women who are reading the book in a women’s book club. Their interpretation of the story is portrayed through 11 original songs and dance numbers.
The production has been on stage since August 2012 and has been touring in cities across the country.
Despite the mature plotline of “Fifty Shades of Grey,” cast member Nick Semar, who plays the role of Jose, Anastasia’s friend, defended the production’s intentions.
“They don’t understand it’s a parody of (the books), it makes fun of it. People end up loving it,” Semar said.
Some were pleasantly surprised to find out that the musical was coming to Columbus because of their love for the books.
Olivia Harder, a third-year in zoology, said she is interested in seeing the musical.
“I love musicals. I read the books two summers ago and thought they were great. I would definitely go and see that,” Harder said.
Cole Ledford, a second-year in business, is familiar with the series but has not read the books.
“I probably wouldn’t go see (the musical) just because it sounds like a chick flick,” Ledford said.
Semar disagreed.
“A lot of men end up coming to our show, whether on their own or because they are dragged by somebody, and they think they’re going to hate it and they don’t,” Semar said.
The Southern Theatre is located at 21 E. Main St. Tickets start at $39.50 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.
