3 out of 5 stars

Rather than heralding end times, the spunky new musical “The Last Bimbo of the Apocalypse” harkens back to the era of Paris Hilton and Perez Hilton. Inspired by an infamous 2006 paparazzi photo, it follows three chronically online Gen-Z kids in 2025 searching for a forgotten Millennial pop princess. Michael Breslin and Patrick Foley's excellent score reignites a 00’s sensibility so strongly you'll catch yourself saying “that’s hot” unironically. Natalie Walker's brilliant supporting performance also demands your attention more than a TMZ clickbait headline. Less hot: Rory Pelsue's uneven direction and a convoluted second half. — Justin McCallum

Presented by the New Group at the Pershing Square Signature Center, through June 1, 2025; thenewgroup.org. (Review date: May 13, 2025)