Transporting us to a very high camp Florence in the midst of the Renaissance, Pop Off, Michelangelo! brings powerhouse pop musical numbers, gleefully silly plotting, and deliciously fun performances to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe’s Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose.
Dylan MarcAurele’s musical explores the relationship between creative masterminds Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci – who in this depiction become loosely connected brothers. Both showcase a talent for the arts, and both harbour a secret about their sexuality. Through musical numbers, the two artists seek to become masters of their fields to achieve the ultimate goal of working for the Pope and receiving his blessing. Corruption in the Church and the pressures of the Medici Art School experience see fractures begin to develop between the two friends.
An opening that draws attention to a fellow Renaissance that recently swept the globe – Beyoncé’s 2022 studio album – sets the tone for the queer-leaning pop culture references that fill this feel-good musical. A high energy opening number showcases the dance-flavoured original soundtrack that packs the piece with lyrics and gags referencing all from Lady Gaga, Marissa Tomei, Mean Girls, RuPaul’s Drag Race, and Cher. This mix of contemporary pop culture references scattered through the Italian period setting allows Pop Off, Michelangelo! to establish its campy and original vibe.
On a stage with a selection of moveable plinths, the five strong cast fill the space in a dynamic and infectious fashion. Leads taking the roles of Da Vinci and Michelangelo pack their roles with a delightfully refreshing silliness – unafraid to pack an enthusiastic eagerness into their performances. The full cast deliver lines with a wittiness and gusto, a quick punchiness to the rapid-paced dialogue and humorously blunt approach to the historical figures’ sexuality.
At its heart, Pop Off, Michelangelo! packs some warm-hearted messages of friendship and honesty to oneself – with most of the musical numbers showcasing this feel-good quality. Not all of the numbers hit quite as effectively such as a comic yet saccharine number about Jesus meeting his father God in heaven and engaging in traditional father-son activities. This reviewer was also shocked to see no mention of Kylie’s iconic “Close to touch like Michelangelo” line from The One!
Pop Off, Michelangelo! electrifies as a campy Renaissance romp, blending powerhouse pop numbers, madcap plotting, and expertly-pitched comic performances. This feel-good musical, laden with queer-centred pop culture references is a zippy, effortlessly enjoyable affair.
For tickets to Pop Off, Michelangelo – click here.