''We care about music theatre, so we mock music theatre,'' Pike said. ''But it's a great way to learn more about it and enjoy the good bits, but also poke fun at the bits that are ridiculous, because a lot of music theatre is ridiculous, but a lot of it is wonderful as well.''

Forbidden Broadway is a revue that takes a humorous look at some popular musicals, including Les Miserables, West Side Story, and Spamalot. The original production - created by Gerard Alessandrini - ran for 27 years in New York, and this production by the Free-Rain Theatre Company presents some of the highlights.

One number, It's too High, has taken the tune from the original song Bring him Home from Les Miserables, and emphasises in the rewritten lyrics how difficult the high notes are for the actor to sing.

Pike said, ''Everyone loves a spoof. But not everyone loves music theatre, so this is a nice combination.''

Director Anne Somes said the actors had just about 45 seconds to change costumes and characters between numbers.

''We have 12 performers, and they have to play all different personas and all different styles,'' Somes said, ''It's a huge challenge.''

But she said Forbidden Broadway had something to offer fans of musical theatre and those with less knowledge.

''Even if you don't know some of the actual legends of Broadway, you will be able to relate to what happens,'' Somes said.

''It zips along at a cracking pace, and you will just come out with a smile on your face.''

Even though Forbidden Broadway is a spoof, the performers still work hard. Halimah Kyrgios' roles include Chita Rivera in the Chita/Rita number with Georgia Pike as Rita Moreno, sending up the rivalry between the actresses who played the role of Anita in the Broadway and film versions of West Side Story.

Kyrgios said that her focus was on trying to keep up to the challenges of her various roles.

''Sure I'm trying to mock the characters,'' she said, ''but for me it's demanding enough, so I'm actually just trying to achieve the character itself.''

■ Forbidden Broadway is on at the Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre from March 7 to March 22. Tickets are $52 for adults, $42 for concession and $40 for children. Bookings: 6285 6290.