ANDERSONVILLE — Many folks have dreamt of making a musical comedy spoofing their day job, but Jason Geis actually did it.
Over the weekend, the 18-year advertising industry veteran's "Not As Advertised," which follows two recent graduates looking for a job in the advertising world, opened at the pH Comedy Theater, 1515 W. Berwyn Ave.
The idea "has been rattling around in my head for a while," said Geis, who is also a co-owner of the theater and writes a new musical every year.
"This stands out for me and will resonate with other people because when you write from something you know, it's real," he said. "It's easier to write about and make fun of."
The show introduces the audience to the fictitious Octagon advertising agency trying to land a big vegetable account. It includes musical numbers diving into "how the sausage of advertising gets made," according to a description of the show.
"There's a little education about the business side [in the show]. Most people have a pretty vague idea of what advertising really is," Geis said.
While Geis wouldn't bill the show as the Mad Men musical, but "it does mirror a lot of things you see in the show" like the inside look of advertising game.
One clear difference is the time period, "Not As Advertised" takes place now. The show will be running at pH Comedy Theater at 9:30 p.m. on Saturdays until July 16.
Tickets are $15 or $10 with student IDs.
Watch the promo for the show below:
notasadvertisedpromo from pH Comedy Theater on Vimeo.
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