‘The Trail to Oregon’ is irreverent but hilarious

If you’re interested in seeing what new Lansing-area talent has to offer, hurry to Riverwalk Theatre’s Black Box this weekend to see “The Trail to Oregon,” directed by Ayden Soupal. You’ll be greeted by great voices, hilarious scenes and energetic performances.

The musical is based on the widely beloved strategy video game. The characters travel along the historic Oregon Trail in the 1840s to start a new life out west. Along the way, they must make decisions and face consequences regarding logistics, resource management, bargaining and trading, all while facing storms, river crossings, hostile human threats and, of course, disease — usually dysentery. All of this was put to music and humorously dramatized by StarKid Productions, a musical theater company founded in 2009 at the University of Michigan, so be prepared for some outrageous, edgy jokes and vulgar language in the style of Chicago comedy troupe the Second City or “Saturday Night Live.”

Quentin Villa (Father) brings breezy charm and earnestness to the show, facing his indignities with aplomb. He has a strong singing voice and a wide vocal range, and his voice shines while he deftly manages asides and monologues. He’s funny and mischievous but also honest and believable, making me think of Curly in “Oklahoma!”

Taren Going (Mother) is feisty but sweet, with plenty of determination and drive. The actor’s pioneer dialect is excellent, and they juggle comedy and drama equally well. Their song “When the World’s at Stake” is one of the standout numbers of the entire show.

Xia Skowronek (Son) is simply outstanding in her role. Always funny and interesting to watch but never upstaging her co-stars, her characterization is spot-on throughout the entire show and brings a barrel full of laughs. Skowronek is a polished and professional performer, and her performance is well worth the price of admission. 

JT Tosolt (Everyone Else) is hilarious and throws herself into the show completely, earning laughs with every move she makes and every character she plays. Kaela Panicucci (Daughter) is fun, sweet and vulnerable, while local favorite Dale Wayne Williams (Grandpa) pleases as usual. The cast is cohesive and focused, always staying  on track throughout this fast-paced show, and there’s also a surprise appearance by a crustacean, recalling last season’s production of “Big Fish.”

It should be noted that there’s a lot of broad, vulgar and potentially tasteless comedy along the trail, and there’s also a scene centered on gun play that hits a little different now than what may have been intended when the musical was written. This irreverent production is one bathroom joke after another, but that’s just part of the fun of it all.