Now available from Klaatu Records is a lovingly restored and expanded version of the soundtrack from Trey Parker’s 1990s auspicious debut, Cannibal! The Musical. Distributed by Troma, Parker’s thesis project mashes up his affinity for musical theatre, parody and gruesome fare with the tale of Alferd Packer, the “Colorado Cannibal” who was tried for cannibalism in the 1800s. The overall tone of the film showcases the creative mind that would later helm South Park. Co-producer and co-star Jason McHugh sits down with RUE MORGUE to reminisce about the film and discuss the new release.
Given that you were with Cannibal! from its inception, was it always intended as a musical, or was that something that entered part-way along its journey? Trey Parker has obviously gone on to incorporate plenty of songwriting in South Park, Book of Mormon and beyond. Was he also working on a lot of musical theatre in film school?
Cannibal! was indeed always intended to be a musical. It was originally titled Alferd Packer: The Musical and changed to Cannibal! The Musical when Troma released it, with the notion that the new title would grab more attention to audiences outside of Colorado territory. It was about halfway through the production of the film when it dawned on me that Trey Parker was an actual musical genius. It was the moment I heard the song written for the part of Polly Prye, “This Side of Me.” I was floored and even possibly verklempt upon hearing this moving, but also funny, song. Trey had played the leading role in numerous high school musical productions and wrote songs for his band Ichi Ban, so he brought his writing and performing to the table and that turned into the main course for Cannibal! I am certain that making Cannibal! as this ironically earnest, Americana-style musical is the reason we are still excited about it so many years later!
One of Cannibal!’s pleasures is its silly, free-wheeling vibe. It feels like a bunch of guys having a good time with a camera; songs and all. Even the low-fi synth score has a playful vibe that enhances the final product. Are you able to speak to the general tone of the process of making the film?
The production was a direct extension of the CU Film Department, where the whole team met and learned the basics of making short films. At the time, CU Boulder’s Film Department was the least funded department in the entire university. We had crappy equipment left over from previous decades, but the professors and curriculum were both amazing and fostered great creativity. Basically, all students had to write and direct their own film, while they recruited classmates to work as crew for them. After a few semesters, we all had experience acting on camera and doing every different crew job from camera to sound to assistant directing, etc. This gave us all a chance to find friends and like-minded individuals, as far as filmmaking style. All the film producers were interested in comedies, and Monty Python were the masters we all worshipped. Most of the cast and crew did know each other and there was natural camaraderie, as well as eventual drama and love triangles. It was quite the rocky mountain adventure as we traveled to many of the actual spots where Alferd Packer’s party traveled and chased snow, crossed rivers … basically doing things more professional production companies would never attempt.
What can listeners expect in this version of the soundtrack?
Listeners can expect an auditory journey that makes you feel like you are watching the movie in your mind. The CD producers did an incredible job mixing the lead in dialog before a song starts – so it really draws you in, as you can hear sound effects and dialog like never before that then leads right into the music. I am really excited about this as it’s a different experience than just listening to the songs. I think both diehard fans and new fans will especially love this because it really draws you into the movie in a new way!
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