Dylan Adler: Haus of Dy-lan is an autobiographical musical comedy fever dream. We asked the ‘classically trained pianist turned unhinged gay musical comic’ for some songs that capture the essence of the show.
Phantom of the Opera – Andrew Lloyd Webber
The Phantom of the Opera gave me nightmares as an eight year old. But as I’ve grown into the queer villain I am today, I’ve become fascinated with The Phantom. He is a genius composer who hides in the basement of an Opera House and is obsessed with someone who will never love him. Me much?
Mean – Taylor Swift
This song genuinely helped me through getting bullied in high school. I was bullied badly in school and this song gave me hope that I would make it out of my hometown. Then I learned that Taylor Swift wrote this song because of a rude comment that a music critic once said to her and I was like “Um……that’s it Taylor?” Anyways. <3
Sugar, We’re Goin’ Down – Fall Out Boy
Emo Kid Alert. I was an Emo kid and listened to this song religiously. I became Emo in the fourth grade when the girl my twin brother and I had a crush on picked him instead of me. We’re both gay now, but still. WE’RE GOING DOWN DOWN IN AN EARLIER ROUND!
Be Prepared (from The Lion King) – Jeremy Irons, Whoopi Goldberg
Scar is gay. That is a known fact. He is a quintessential queer villain. ‘Be Prepared’ is a song about his love of penis and desire for power. Scar never got the recognition his brother got. Story of my life. I have a queer villain within me that thirsts for vengeance and recognition. I have one thing to say. BE PREPARED MAX ADLER!
I Think I’m Turning Japanese – The Vapors
Are the writers of this song Japanese? No, they are white. But so am I. Half that is. I am also Half Japanese. I talk about being Half Japanese and Half Jewish in the show. In my adult life I’ve grown closer to my Japanese grandparents and learned to embrace my Japanese heritage. So perhaps in a way, I am turning Japanese. Thank you The Vapors for seeing me.
Treat me Like a Slut – Kim Petras
This will be the title of my memoir. As a gay man on Grindr this song perfectly captures my current state of affairs.
No One Mourns the Wicked – Wicked Original Cast
I want this song played at my funeral as I am being lowered into the earth.
Ode to my Family – The Cranberries
This is one of my favourite songs of all time. I love the Cranberries so much. In the show I talk a lot about my family. My gay twin brother, my Japanese fag hag mom, my Jewish dad, my sister, and my relationship with my Japanese grandpa. There is definitely turbulence in my life, but I always feel grateful for my family to help me through it. I think Dolores O’Riordan captures that essence beautifully in the song.
Dylan Adler: Haus of Dy-lan, Pleasance Courtyard, 30 Jul-24 Aug (not 12), 7.30pm