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Synopsis

“A notable cultural artifact, returning one to a period of sexual freedom and experimentation” — Broadway.com

There’s nothing quite like Oh! Calcutta!, an elegant and erotic musical deliciously performed (mostly) in the nude. Debuting in 1970 and running for a record 14 years, Oh! Calcutta! playfully challenges taboos by representing the sexual revolution in a series of uproarious skits, dance, and musical numbers written by naughty luminaries including John Lennon, Sam Shepard, and Samuel Beckett. Far too smart to be smut, this adult musical matches the magic of Broadway with the exhilaration of a peep show over a rock score performed by a live band.

From an elaborately-concocted scene in which a crafty virgin gets the upper hand on her seducer to a hilarious rendition of awkward first-time swingers, Oh! Calcutta! gleefully runs roughshod over prudish no-nos while never taking sex too seriously.

Directed by British theater critic Kenneth Tynan, Oh! Calcutta! is equal parts hubris and hilarity, acting out on stage what usually never leaves the bedroom to sidesplitting and blush-worthy effect.