By Jay Menard

Musical parody can be a sketchy proposition. It can grow tired quickly, it can descend into absolute silliness, and the music itself can leave much to be desired. But when it works, it’s magic — and the “German” power-punk duo Die Roten Punkte weave a show that’s so magical it must leave Siegfried and Roy* weeping in envy.

(*note if you take offense to the inclusion of a Siegfried and Roy reference, I invite you to find a commonly known German magician to use to adequately fulfill this extended reference in the lead!)

Die Roten Punkte skewer the pretentiousness, hyperbolic self-importance, and pure cheese factor of power rock bands with their one-hour show. Using clever (and shockingly catchy) songs, hilarious banter, audience involvement, double entendres, and a healthy dose of sibling rivalry, the duo has crafted a show that keeps you laughing from the opening riff to long after the final note fades away.

Their name, which translated means “The Red Dots” is a play on The White Stripes. The costuming and brother-sister dynamic is also a nod to the duo’s initial professing to be siblings. But Die Roten Punkte has grown to be a worthy show of its own.

The band infuses physical, lyrical, and verbal comedy throughout the performance. The musicianship is incredible, and there’s even a keytar!

Die Roten Punkte’s show is billed with the sub-heading Best Band in the World. When it comes to musical comedy, they’re right up there with Spinal Tap and worthy of being turned up to 11.

This opening weekend review has been posted on behalf of Theatre in London.ca (http://theatreinlondon.ca/