By AJ Jaffari
What happens when a radioactive accident, a blind librarian, and a corrupt mayor collide in one of the campiest musicals ever written? The Toxic Avenger at Los Altos Stage Company embraces its outrageous premise with open arms, delivering a delightfully absurd evening of musical theatre that refuses to take itself too seriously. Based on the cult classic film of the same name, the show leans heavily into parody, over-the-top characters, and unapologetic camp, creating a theatrical experience that feels refreshingly unhinged in all the right ways.
Set in the fictional town of Tromaville, where toxic waste and political corruption run rampant, the story follows Melvin Ferd the Third as he transforms from a meek environmentalist into an unlikely superhero. What unfolds is a wildly entertaining tale of romance, revenge, and radioactive justice. Los Altos Stage Company fully commits to the show’s irreverent spirit, creating a production that feels both lovingly ridiculous and surprisingly heartfelt.
Having never seen The Toxic Avenger before, I had no idea what to expect—and I absolutely loved it. I was laughing from start to finish. Anyone who knows me knows I have a soft spot for campy theatre, and this show delivers camp by the barrel. The humor is sharp, the pacing is relentless, and the production never loses sight of the fact that its primary goal is to entertain. It’s one of those rare shows that feels equally accessible to seasoned theatre fans and skeptics alike, thanks in large part to a score that is catchy, easy to follow, and filled with several earworms that have remained stuck in my head long after leaving the theatre.
The cast was phenomenal across the board. Kennedy Johnson was absolutely delightful as Sarah, bringing warmth, charm, and impeccable comedic timing to the role. She managed to make every joke land while still grounding the character in genuine sincerity. I’m still in awe of her talent as I write this.
Harker Russell impressed me immensely as Melvin. His vocal quality was uniquely suited to the role—soft and earnest when needed, yet capable of carrying the show’s rock-inspired edge. He played Melvin’s awkwardness beautifully, making his transformation all the more satisfying to watch.
Molly Thornton was a force of nature as both Ma Ferd and Mayor Babs. She made for a wonderfully over-the-top villain and commanded attention every time she stepped on stage. I’ve always admired performers with strong stage presence, and Thornton has it in spades.
And then there were Gary Stanford and Max Mahle as Black Dude and White Dude. Quite simply, they were phenomenal. Their versatility throughout the evening was astounding as they bounced between countless supporting characters with ease. More importantly, they were consistently hilarious. Their chemistry, energy, and commitment to every bit made them a constant source of laughter from beginning to end.
I wish I could say I had a favorite amongst this small yet mighty cast, but I cannot. They were all terrific.
From a production standpoint, there was plenty to admire. Gary Landis’s scenic design did a remarkable job transforming a relatively intimate stage into the polluted world of Tromaville. The set was clever, functional, and full of personality, perfectly matching the show’s comic-book aesthetic.
The costumes by Greet Jaspaert were another highlight. I was especially impressed by the seemingly endless array of looks created for Black Dude and White Dude, each helping define the many characters they portrayed throughout the evening. And Molly Thornton’s costumes were among my favorites, perfectly complementing her larger-than-life characters.
A special shoutout also goes to prosthetics designer Chris Mahle, whose work on the Toxic Avenger himself was fantastic. Genuinely impressive, equal parts comic book hero and unsettling creature, exactly as it should be.
The Toxic Avenger is the kind of show that reminds us just how much fun musical theatre can be. It’s outrageous, hilarious, catchy, and completely unapologetic about what it is. Los Altos Stage Company has embraced the madness wholeheartedly, and the result is one of the most entertaining afternoons I’ve had at the theatre. I highly recommend checking it out—you’ll be laughing all the way home.
The Toxic Avenger runs through June 28 and tickets are available here.
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