Wild Women of Planet Wongo
Go on a wild, immersive ride at the return engagement of this retro sci-fi musical about two astronauts who land on an alien planet of sexy warrior women who’ve never seen men!
... Read moreIn this loving send-up of '60s B-movies, two astronauts find themselves on an unfamiliar world populated solely by females. Though hesitant at first, the captain finally joins his crewmate in tasting Wongo Flesh, in his case, the Queen. But sex isn't the only thing the Wongettes have in mind. They are also starving—and have very different plans for their male guests! The show is for ages 21 and up. Each ticket includes a complimentary drink. Standing room only.
- Official Site
- View Trailer
- 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Already closed
- Parkside Lounge (Lower E Side)
Cast & Creatives (19)
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Reviews (106)
14 Critics' Reviews
"An elongated 'SNL' sketch...If you don’t drink, aren’t into 'Mystery Science Theater 3000,' and the thought of being part of the show gives you hives, skip this one...The problem here is that a parody or spoof is supposed to skewer and turn upside down familiar tropes...The topic is ripe for it and it could have added a modern sensibility, a lot of laughs, and a thoughtful twist to an otherwise meatless show...You find yourself, even sometimes despite your better judgement, having a good time." Full Review
"Amanda Nicholas and the Wongette ensemble permeate so much energy and fun into the space you can’t help but join in. The story itself is corny and predictable at best, but if this is meant to pay homage to those early sci-fi films then Budick, Maches, and Ogrin have nailed it. Their music and lyrics provide the perfect mash-up of kitsch meets catchy '60s tunes...What makes 'Planet Wongo' truly unique, however, is David Rigano’s direction to make the experience naturally immersive." Full Review
"'Wild Women of Planet Wongo' lives up to the fun title indeed!...If you’re super sensitive to the whole feminism movement, it might not be the show for you. But the music sure is catchy. All of the actors did a fantastic job with the songs and choreography, especially in such a small space...There is no serious plot or heavy demeanor here. Go, let your hair down, dance with a stranger, drink an unknown concoction, and enjoy the movement that is immersive theater." Full Review
"This delightful romp wields zany charm and a healthy dose of good old-fashioned escapism...'Wongo’s' biggest asset is its wonderful ensemble cast...All of the women are great comediennes...Rigano’s directing is wise, especially through encouraging his Wongettes to operate as a unit. The result is goofy in the best of ways...This production is sincere, light, and best of all, good spirited." Full Review
"Despite the small space, the crew is able to manipulate it well to provide an unique experience...Although much is done with the space, there are a few things that could make a more immersive experience...But the musical makes up for this with several interesting ways that allow for audience interaction...The actors and actresses deserve much praise as well as they are fast on improvisation when it comes to dealing with hecklers...A fun and wacky show for those with an open mind." Full Review
“If you’re a fan of science fiction, immersive theater, drinks, and hilarity, ‘Wongo’ is an experience worth adding to your life. While the space was a little tight for the interactive performance, it did lend to a cozy atmosphere…The cast did a splendid job in working with the space and engaging with the theatergoers…'Wongo' is lighthearted fun and immensely entertaining for those looking to have a break from the normality of everyday life. You’ll laugh a lot.” Full Review
“A fun, whimsical, funny and interactive show…The overall show is a bit predicable and corny in itself, but that is not to say that it doesn’t hold your attention…If you are looking for fancy or engaging, this is not for you. This is for those who enjoy having a few drinks while enjoying a more relaxed, off-the-wall and wild experience...The zingers were playful and delightful. Bring a friend and enjoy a night of unexpected thrills.” Full Review
“The laughs are broad in this ‘Mystery Science Theatre’ meets ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ original musical, growing from titters in the beginning to belly laughs by the end…The energy of the performers, playing off the audience, means a different show every night…The creative journey of 'Wild Women of Planet Wongo' adds to its uniqueness – as the audience helps to inform what comes next for this clever piece of theatre.” Full Review
"The play has a ton of energy with lots of catchy tunes and amusing dancing. (Wongette Jenna Marcello especially had me in stitches). There are also opportunities for audience participation if you’re so inclined. Bring a Bumble date, and see how weird they’re willing to get. If they’re up for this, they’re probably a keeper." Full Review
"It’s a hard sell for anyone who is not a fan of the genre like myself, but by the end of the night, I was all too happy to join in the Wongo Wuau with the whole crew…As someone who is very picky with interactive theater and musicals, I was surprised by how much fun I had. It’s a real testament to old-school sci-fi storytelling...The music is so catchy I guarantee by the end you’ll be doing the Wongo Wuau just like the rest of us…Across the board, everyone’s vocals were top-notch.” Full Review
for a previous production "The thin, predictable book ends happily, with painless, derivative 'Rocky Horror'-type songs that bounce but seem dated in 2015...But the entire cast — including the actresses playing the Wongettes, some just out of college — is unstinting with its energy and enthusiasm." Full Review
for a previous production "The show is part dance-party, with inventive, perky choreography and opportunity for audience participation. Directed with flavorful energy and precise pacing, the wacky story is just the framework for gracefully goofy performances by a solid cast that features some fine voices, and for clever, fun songs that tap into the spirit of the ’60s." Full Review
for a previous production "In contrast with the show's shoestring budget, the music is surprisingly memorable...The fun of interactive theater is the audience participation, and 'Wongo' succeeds in that department. Director Rigano clearly prioritized a fun time. If drinks, dancing and music are your thing, 'Wild Women of Planet Wongo' will not disappoint." Full Review
for a previous production "It's great fun to interact with the Amazonian Wongo girls and drink Wongotinis made fresh at the bar. The book is witty, sexy and very feel good. (The Wongotinis help with that, too). The cast is joyful and lovingly directed by David Rigano." Full Review
92 Members' Reviews
See it if you're looking for something different & mindless. Energetic cast, good singers, & ON from the get-go. Bring cash for the TWO intermissions.
Don't see it if you want a deep & serious theatre night out. DEF don't see it if you're claustrophobic. Could easily run longer in a slightly bigger house.
Also Finally saw it last night; it closes TONIGHT! It has a great following... Read more Read less
See it if you want to experience a campy, interactive musical parody of a typically cheesy 1960's sci-fi flick performed by an enthusiastic cast.
Don't see it if you need to sit. You move around & interact with the cast. If you don't like mindless fun, this is not the show for you.
Also You get a free drink.
See it if you want to have some mindless fun.
Don't see it if you need an immersive theatrical experience that is substantial.
See it if you don't mind a low-budget, super-campy production. It's pretty silly, and you have to stand in a small room the whole time.
Don't see it if Skip this if you're looking for high quality performances, singing, costumes. It was so cringeworthy I couldn't stay for the whole thing.
See it if a Rocky Horror experience, standing room only, wongotinis, audience participation, surprisingly memorable musical score are 2 your liking
Don't see it if standing for 2 hours, silliness, over amplification, man in drag, drinking, rolling with punches & moving 2 be able 2 see drive you mad
See it if You want to have an immersive theatrical experience and have fun.
Don't see it if You like serious plays. You don't want to stand for 90 mins.
See it if you want a fun night out with your friends or on a date. This is not something you send your parents to. Show deserves own rating category.
Don't see it if you are expecting to see a show like Hamilton, wicked, or anything where you sit down and expect to be amazed. This is more for young adults
Also Shows like this can be rated next to other shows like Hamilton, or Wic... Read more Read less
See it if You like B movies of Sci Fi fame You like immersive plays You like being entertained by Wongo Women in a campy but fun play
Don't see it if You don't like standing ... the okay is immersive although you can stand to the sides
See it if you like comedies
Don't see it if you don't like comedies.
See it if If you are a fan of of movies or musicals like Little Shop of Horrors. You want to get 2 free drinks with your ticket. You like silly shows.
Don't see it if You don't like standing for 90 minutes. If you want a structured show. If you don't like campy movies from the 1950s turned into a musical.
See it if You enjoy a fun show with dancing where the audience is immersed in the action. You like moving around during shows and free booze.
Don't see it if You need to sit the whole show, need a deeper plot, or actors to be more than moderately talented.
See it if you like-tongue in cheek/over the top/slapstick comedy-60's/70's retro music-sci fi movies-audience participation-fun lighthearted escapism
Don't see it if you don't like-immersive theatre (venue is so intimate, there'll be plenty of moments where an actor engages you in the story)
See it if You would enjoy a B-movie sci-fi plot, pop music, and upbeat dancing, with audience participation. My favorite character was the computer.
Don't see it if You are looking for something substantial. The dialog was bland at times, but the youthful performers were enthusiastic.
See it if You're into a high energy spoof musical of B-movie sci-fi. Good silly fun, sort of interactive, came with a free drink ticket!
Don't see it if You don't want to stand for 2 hours in a nontraditonal theater space
See it if You're under 30, want to go to a bar with friends but don't have anything to say to them, and want to be entertained. Free drink with ticket
Don't see it if You want to see something other than a sci-fi comedy sketch fit for frat boys.
See it if Want to have fun with an interactive show on a zany adventure & have a wongotini..go see this. It's a hoot! Join in & have fun, let go.,
Don't see it if You expect serious theatre, elaborate sets, can't stand too long or expect a Tony Award show. Not for Bway snobs!
Also I gave it a high score because I had a blast. No, it's not a Bway show... Read more Read less
See it if You want silly and amusing. The music is surprisingly good.
Don't see it if You prefer a more traditional theater experience.
See it if U want to catch a zany, souped up B movie musical cleverly staged in the back room of a bar w/monitors of spaceland & cast walking amongst u
Don't see it if Ur looking for a staged show where u can sit-u'll be moving around to avoid the cast-or are looking for a traditional comedy. This is wacky!
See it if You want to spend a couple of hours just having fun in a group situation and being part of the show. Take a risk, it will pay off.
Don't see it if If you only want your theater traditional.
Also I was a little out of my confort zone here -- a part of town I don't g... Read more Read less
See it if You enjoy low, unsurprising, juvenile, comic book style humor and dialog and do not demand intellectual or cultural value.
Don't see it if You cannot stand continuously in a room filled with inebriated intellect-challenged millenials for 2 hours continuously or hate loud music
See it if you enjoy mindless fun. Great cast, silly premise. However, too many intermissions/audience participation moments. Second act is too long.
Don't see it if you're not into seeing something silly.
See it if you want to be up close and personal with a low-quality musical sci-fi spoof or if charming performers are enough for you to like it.
Don't see it if you will find clichéd misogynist anti-sex anti-women tropes annoying or offensive, or will be bothered by extremely low production values.
See it if you enjoy an evening of total silliness! Plot is ridiculous, costumes absurd and choreographer did a marvelous job in an awkward space. FUN!
Don't see it if you cannot stand for 10 minutes or longer. There is some seating but the performers will tell you to move for some of the scenes.
See it if You're willing to drink the Wongo-tinis & just enjoy the party. You want a fun night out. You like retro sci-fi. You like immersive shows.
Don't see it if You hate immersive shows. You hate sci-fi. You can't/don't want to stand for and hour & 40 minutes. You want traditional theatre.
Also This is more party than theatre. If you go, just go with it: drink the... Read more Read less