THIS TALKING HEAD ALSO SINGS

Nobody embraces risk more enthusiastically than downtown's Beowulf Alley Theatre Company. Eschewing all interest in "regular" stage fare, this fearless band of artists has opened its arms and its theater to a co-production with Phoenix playwright Kevin Fry of "Head: The Musical!"

The word "campy" needs more vowels to make it longer in this way, way over the top romp through naughty words celebrating bad taste and impulsive desires in the spirit of that late-night cinema classic that makes no sense, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show."

No sensitive acting skills are required in "Head: The Musical." No bad "head" puns are left unturned, either. 

What we get in spades is a willingness to pour on the energy and, if nobody laughed at that last joke, pile on several more just like it.  Truly, if it wasn't for bad taste this show wouldn't have any taste at all.

You might also sum up "Head: The Musical" as entry-level theater for guys. Along with all the off-color comments, a couple of dildos pop up, as well as a golf ball that's being sucked through a hose.

All the songs are in a rock 'n' roll vein. But it is the non-stop, damn the torpedoes, full-speed-ahead energy that makes this show so much fun . For sure, you will never see anything like this anywhere else in Tucson.

Fry's show had a successful three month run in Los Angeles last year, as well as a high-profile spot in the 2009 Phoenix Fringe Festival. The ambitious playwright also directs and plays a leading role in the Beowulf Alley production.

The story is inspired by the 1962 scare-your-girlfriend-at-the-drive-in black-and-white B-movie "The Brain That Wouldn't Die." It begins with Jan (Kristina Sloan) -- while in a delicate moment of intimacy with the eccentric scientist Dr. Bill (Fry) -- getting decapitated during an unfortunate car crash out in the woods.

Knowing he can keep Jan's head alive for 48 hours, Dr. Bill rushes to the private laboratory of his assistant Kurt (Jim Klingenfus), where Jan's head is injected with a secret serum and the clock starts ticking. Once her head is sitting nicely on a plate on a table, she does become very lively.

So lively in fact, she can sing pretty well for someone who doesn't have a diaphragm…anymore.

With the clock ticking, Dr. Bill takes the direct approach to finding a better body for Jan. He heads straight to the nearest strip club to find a nubile donor.

Meanwhile, Jan discovers hidden in the Lab is another maimed Creature (Lucas Rodriguez) who is able to sing and talk.

Being birds of a feather, so to speak, Jan and the Creature begin devising a plan to get revenge on this mad scientist. Meanwhile, complications ensue and more songs are sung to pre-recorded musical accompaniment.

Elliot Jones is listed as the music director. Mickey Nugent did the choreography.

"Head: The Musical" continues through May 29 at Beowulf Alley Theatre, 11 S. Sixth Ave., with performances at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Recommended only for mature audiences, age 17 and over.

There is no performance Saturday, May 7.

Tickets are $23, with discounts. For details and reservations, (520) 882-0555, or visitwww.beowulfalley.org