One thing I don’t need is another reason to love Allison Janney.
Yet here she is, front and center in a funny video that once again proves her worthy of my adoration.
Welcome, to Prop 8 — The Musical. Created and written by Hairspray composer Marc Shaiman – “six weeks later than he shoulda,” according to the credits – the video is a three minute, star-studded musical view and revue of California Proposition 8.
Here’s the story: During a celebration of “a brand new bright Obama day,” pro-8 folks, dressed in black, sneak in and put hate in the constitution – because the Bible says that gay love is a sin. Jesus (Jack Black) appears on the scene to point out that the Bible also forbids shrimp eating and encourages wife stoning. Then Neil Patrick Harris, billed as A Very Smart Fellow, reminds all present that gay marriage provides a boost to the economy. Finally, an argument everyone can agree with.
See how many stars you can spot in the video.
Quite a lineup, isn’t it? Here’s the cast (in order of appearance):
California Gays and The People That Love Them: Jordan Ballard, Margaret Cho, Barrett Foa, J.B. Ghuman, John Hill, Andy Richter, Maya Rudolph, Rashad Naylor, Nicole Parker
Prop 8 Leader: John C. Reilly
Prop 8 Leader’s #1 Wife: Allison Janney
Prop 8 Leader’s #2 Wife: Kathy Najimy
Riffing Prop 8’er: Jenifer Lewis
A Preacher: Craig Robinson
Scary Catholic School Girls From Hell: Rashida Jones, Lake Bell, Sarah Chalke
The Frightened Villagers: Katharine “Kooks” Leonard, Seth Morris, Denise “Esi!” Piane, Lucian Piane, Richard Read, Seth Redford, Quinton Strack, Tate Taylor
Jesus Christ: Jack Black
A Very Smart Fellow: Neil Patrick Harris
Piano Player: Marc Shaiman
My favorite moments:
The stage picture when the bigots sing “sodomy.”
Margaret Cho’s tattoos.
Maya Rudolph’s dramatic moment – it’s just so community theater.
The reactions when Neil Patrick Harris points at Janney as he sings “lesbian.”
Surprisingly, the video is getting mixed reviews from the LGBT community. While most enjoy the humor and enthusiasm of the musical, others feel that it’s too little, too late. Personally, I prefer to laugh through the pain. And if anyone knows how to do that, it’s the gay community.What’s your take? Is Prop. 8 – The Musical a stylish satire or an asinine afterthought?
