Tomfoolery (2010)

Synopsis

Tom Lehrer, a Harvard-educated mathematician, accidentally became a troubadour of his times when songs he had written for his own amusement turned out to amuse others as well.

“Tomfoolery” is a production to celebrate his genius.

Written by Cameron Mackintosh and Robin Ray, it is a revue of 26 hysterical tunes and includes such songs as “The Old Dope Peddler,” “Pollution” and “The Masochism Tango”.

Lyrics talk about sex, drugs, murder and nuclear war–subject matter put into high relief by Lehrer’s refreshing, optimistic melodies and cheery parlor piano tunes.

It is certainly a production for belly-laughs – something mtp took on board with an adaptation it took on tour in conjunction with Connaught Productions between July and September 2012.

The lyrics and music – first performed in the 1950s and 1960s – still resonated with the audiences of today and the production received high-praise from critics.