Review of The Birthday Party

. . . for viewers seeing it the first time on Nov. 26, 2021. With news of the passing of the lyricist for WEST SIDE STORY and "Send in the Clowns" from A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, it seems like sacrilege to be watching Mickey playing a xylophone with his rear end during THE BIRTHDAY PARTY. The idea that piano stools can sprout arms and tickle the ivories better than rodents, who in turn are more proficient manipulating the 88 black and white keys than most humans, is equally appalling. A LITTLE BUTT MUSIC is a sad coda indeed to A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC.