I HAVEN’T BEEN THIS GAGGED AND CLAWED
SINCE STEAMWORKS ON A SATURDAY NIGHT

Summer is the perfect time to flock to theaters for campy escapist joy, and Oasis SF and producer D’Arcy Drollinger are delivering exactly that with Jurassiq Parq—a hilariously silly and campy “musiqal parody” of the blockbuster 1993 film. Created by the multi-talented Michael Phillis, this queer-tinged jukebox extravaganza—68 million years in the making—brings cloned dinosaurs terrorizing a remote island to vibrant, neon life. If that ain’t enough for nostalgia fans, writer/direct Phillis added, or rather, twisted pop hits from the ’90s—including Britney Spears, Destiny’s Child and Lil Kim—meaning this ain’t your paleontology professor’s musical.

Marshall Forte (Dr. Jeff Goldblum), Vanilla Meringue (Colonel Sanders Hammond),
Elenor Irene Paul (Dr. Laura Dern)

Music director Steve Bolinger keeps the beats rolling, weaving in parodies of “Bootylicious,” “Welcome to Paradise,” and “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!”—plus a singalong “What’s Up?” finale that had the crowd belting out every word. Between these crowd-pleasers and riotous video interludes, the energy never dips below Jurassic-level upROARious fun. Rory Davis works wonders choreographing a sassy, sexy Fegosaures (Evian), The Goat (Helena Levin) and a hip-swiveling Triceratops (Snaxx), who rhythmically dance all over the jungle in Kypper Snacks’ sequined dinosaur suits. And then there’s those raunchy Raptors (May Simon Ramos, Ryan Patrick Welsh, and Madeline Lambie). These anthropomorphic dinos are full-on dance divas.

Vanilla Meringue (Colonel Sanders Hammond), Trixie Aballa (Dr. BD Wong),
Elenor Irene Paul (Dr. Laura Dern), and Marshall Forte (Dr. Jeff Goldblum)

Jerry Girard’s sound design, Evian’s sets, and Maxx Kurzinski’s lighting turn the ordinary nightclub into a dark, tree- and vine-filled jungle of sizzling suspense—pop-rock power meets prehistoric pandemonium. The center-stage platform and splash-zone audience interaction (ponchos optional, silly string encouraged) create an immersive feel that practically douses you in dinosaur drool—without the stink.

Evian (Fegosaurus), Kitty Litter (Timy), and the cast of Jurassiq Parq

The cast jumps in with both claws. Our main heroine leading the charge is Dr. Laura Dern (Elenor Irene Paul), clad in cargo shorts and a clinging tank top. Strong of voice and quick on the run chasing dinosaurs, she adeptly cries for help and belts pop lyrics while hightailing it through the jungle. The two precocious children, Lexxx (Barbie Bloodgloss) and Timy (Kitty Litter), are also back and just can’t seem to stay out of trouble. The story’s narrator and mastermind of the park, Colonel Sanders Hammond (Vanilla Meringue as a lecherous, drag-queen Attenborough), has attempted to clone the dinosaurs and, of course, is perturbed when things go horribly wrong. Sam Neill’s Dr. Grant is nowhere to be seen in this update (maybe he was eaten), but have no fear: suave and sexy Dr. Jeff Ian Malcolm Goldblum (Marshall Forte) arrives all smolder and pecs dressed in black just as things seem to be going from bad to worse. A squad of DA-tors (DNA doctors) is also on hand: Dr. B.D. Wong (Trixie Aballa), Mizz DNA (Edie Eve), and Samuel L. Jackson (Cal Cadian).

Snaxx (Wayne Nerdy / Triceratops) and the cast of Jurassiq Parq

David Haaz-Baroque’s puppet design deserves extra booms for the baby dinosaur puppets which wriggle and sing, charming the crowd with unexpected cuteness. The interactive staging keeps audience members on their toes—literally—as unexpected dinosaurs can pop out from anywhere leaving the audience with an up-close and personal experience. adding that special chaotic touch.

This two-hour romp, no intermission, doesn’t let up. It’s absurd, bawdy, and proudly over-the-top—but above all, it’s fun, taking camp to new heights. Sure, you might spot a pun or two flapping like a confused raptor, but honestly, who cares when you’re laughing so hard. The real miracle? That this prehistoric parody lands as many hits as it does. This roller coaster of a ride doesn’t let up from start to finish. Even though we think we know how it all ends, enough of the story is left open, thus creating the possibility of a sequel. This is one summer blockbuster that you don’t want to miss.

photos by Nicole Fraser-Herron

Jurassiq Parq: A Musiqal Parody
Oasis Arts
Oasis Nightclub, 298 11th St. in San Francisco
Thurs-Sat at 6:30
ends on August 2, 2025 EXTENDED to September 13, 2025
for tickets ($35-$55), visit SF Oasis