In the year’s slowest season for big new shows, smaller spoofs have found their time to shine this summer. Two send-ups of pop culture movies — “Jurassic Park” and “Silence of the Lambs” — are drawing mixed crowds looking for that Holy Grail in NYC: affordable, novel entertainment. Both musicals push boundaries with queer themes, risque humor and endless meta references. See them in this order:
‘Triassic Parq’
If you thought typical female teen angst was bad, imagine what happens when prehistoric predators hit puberty. A smash hit at FringeNYC Festival in 2010, this recount of the dinos’ side of the story found a full-production home at the SoHo Playhouse in June. As tearfully funny as “Book of Mormon” with twice the accessibility, this musical explores sexuality, religion and science with a roaring disregard of self-dignity. Seats are available right onstage for the “full dinosaur experience.” Trust us: It’s got date night written all over it.
‘SILENCE! The Musical’
“SILENCE!” also debuted at FringeNYC Festival back in 2005, building off the cult following of songs like “Put the F—ing Lotion in the Basket,” released online in 2002. It’s been staged downtown since last year, but the show’s popularity spurred its recent move to Midtown, where it now makes its home at the Elektra Theatre in Times Square. David Garrison is a chillingly accurate Hannibal Lecter, while you’ll love to hate rooting for Jenn Harris’ Clarice Starling and her Greek chorus of singing sheep.
If you go
‘Triassic Parq’
Through Aug. 5, $70
SoHo Playhouse
15 Vandam St.
‘SILENCE! The Musical’
Ongoing, $25-$79
Elektra Theatre
673 Eighth Ave.
