“The Total Bent” is a musical that highlights how corrupt some TV evangelists can be. You are aware, as you sit in the audience at the Public Theater, that for some people it’s all about the money. Joe Roy, the TV preacher character, is incredibly dirty, but his viewers love him and believe in him.
The music in this production is loud and in your face. The characters are captivating to watch. Certain aspects of this musical can seem a bit strange (it’s one of those productions that has you sitting there at times asking, “What?”).
The production has text by Stew Rodewald, music by Stew and Heidi Rodewald and direction by Joanna Settle. Vondie Curtis Hall is excellent in the role of Joe Roy. His performance is enjoyable to watch and he sings well. I was so used to seeing him in TV shows such as “Law & Order: SVU” that it was fantastic to see him in this musical lead role. Ato Blankson-Wood is amazing as Marty, Joe Roy’s son who has “daddy issues.” Other cast members include Kenny Brawner, Damian Lemar Hudson, Jahi Kearse, Curtis Wiley and David Cale.
If you are interested in experiencing a musical about the corrupt arena of TV evangelists, then you might consider seeing this production. Visit www.publictheater.org for more information.