There's A 'Friends' Musical Coming Soon

Whether you think of The Rembrandts' "I'll Be There For You" or Phoebe Buffay's iconic track, "Smelly Cat," music was always woven into the DNA of your favorite sitcom. So the only thing that's surprising about the news that a Friends musical is opening in New York this year is that it took this long to happen. It'll boast everyone you're expecting — Rachel, Phoebe, Monica, Joey, Ross, and Chandler — as they croon songs about how they "navigate the pitfalls of work, life and love in 1990s Manhattan." If you're now preparing to bang your head against a wall in frustration at the endless extension of your childhood into adult entertainment forever and ever, please stop.

You guys, this is completely tongue in cheek. The first clue that Friends! The Musical! is not meant with great reverence is that it's being made by Bob and Tobly McSmith, who are behind parody musicals like 90210! The Musical!, Full House! The Musical!, Bayside! The Musical! (a Saved By The Bell parody), and Katdashians! The Musical! So, this is certain to be at least half as funny-mean as their other offerings.

But, wait, it gets better. In order to ensure you're as excited as they are about the musical, the bright minds behind this Central Perk song mashup have already released a few track titles.

"The Only Coffee Shop in New York City" will doubtless illustrate one of the many absurd aspects of Friends' take on The Big Apple's real estate situation. Like, you know, the fact that this group of best friends moved from all over the United States to a booming metropolis, but they only ever go to that one cafe.

We'll see similar snark in the show's weird detachment from the real economics of '90s New York in "45 Grove Street — How Can We Afford This Place?" Chandler's memorable way of delivering his lines will be paid affectionate tribute to in "Could I BE Anymore….. in Love with Monica," while it sounds like the musical will be getting real about the actors' successful salary negotiations in "The One Where We Make a Million Dollars An Episode."

I should stress that this is a totally unofficial production that's happening off-Broadway, but, in their Saved By The Bell parody, former cast members Dustin Diamond and Dennis Haskins swung by to star in the show. So, cross your fingers; maybe this will happen all over again, but with the Friends stars. It'll be playing at The Triad Theatre in New York, and advance tickets will be available in June. Sign up for their email updates to ensure you won't be at home, friendless, when it drops this fall.