The musical Here Comes J Edgar! A Comedy Musical, created by comedy royalty Harry Shearer and Tom Leopold, has premiered at the King's Head theatre in London. The production, which explores the relationship between FBI director J. Edgar Hoover and his protege Clyde Tolson, blends camp comedy with genuine emotional depth.
Premiere and Creative Team
The show features a book and lyrics by Harry Shearer, known for his long tenure on The Simpsons, and Tom Leopold, a writer for Cheers and Seinfeld. The music is by the late Peter Matz, celebrated for his work with Barbra Streisand. Mad Men actor Bryan Batt stars as Hoover, with Hugo Bolton playing Tolson. The musical originated on radio in the 1990s and has taken decades to reach the stage.
Plot and Themes
The story follows Hoover on his deathbed, where he is taken through a Christmas Carol-style reckoning of his life, re-enacted as a Broadway musical. It directly addresses the long-debated question of Hoover's sexuality, portraying him as gay and Tolson as his closeted lover. The production does not shy away from Hoover's darker aspects, including his surveillance of Martin Luther King Jr., his ties to Walter Winchell and Joseph McCarthy, and his anti-communist and anti-homosexual campaigns.
Performances and Direction
Bryan Batt delivers an exuberant performance as Hoover, while Hugo Bolton is praised as fabulous in the role of Tolson. Jess Pratley plays Hoover's younger self, serving as the ghost of the past. Director Josh Seymour infuses the show with irony, campiness, and sharp satire. The love story between Hoover and Tolson is highlighted with songs like Once Upon a Face and I'll Never Miss Him, while Lucy O'Byrne as secretary Helen performs the riotous Helen's Blues.
Critical Reception
The comedy is compared to Mel Brooks, with sparkling satire and imaginative set-pieces. However, the second half is noted as weaker than the first, with a character even joking about it. Despite this, the musical is described as a ridiculously fun ride with West End ambitions, deserving of a larger stage with some polishing. The production runs at the King's Head theatre until 16 August.
