Ep 3. Original Cast Album: Co-Op

In the third episode of season three of the mockumentary series "Documentary Now!", entitled "Original Cast Album: Co-Op," viewers are invited into the quirky world of a fictional 1970s musical theater production. In this hilariously exaggerated parody of famous original cast album recordings such as "Company" and "Rent," audiences are shown how much can go wrong in a recording studio when large personalities, high emotions, and drugs are involved.

The episode takes place over the course of a single night, during which the cast and crew of "Co-Op" gather in a recording studio to make the cast album. As the recording process wears on, it gradually becomes clear that not everyone is on the same page about what the album should sound like or how much time they should take on each individual track. Friction among the performers and producers leads to increasingly tense and absurd moments, such as a prolonged argument over the pronunciation of the word "boots" and a runaway kazoo solo.

The creators of "Original Cast Album: Co-Op" have a keen eye for the absurdities of musical theater, and they take full advantage of their subject matter to create moments that are both hilarious and cringe-worthy. Viewers are treated to glimpses of the cast members' drama-laden personal lives, including a love triangle between two of the actors and the show's composer, and a scene in which a stage manager produces a handgun in the middle of a fight over a lost shoe.

Of course, the real stars of the episode are the songs themselves, hilariously over-the-top numbers that range from a stirring anthem about fridge magnets to a plaintive ballad about a love triangle that goes nowhere. As the cast members take turns recording their solos, the viewer begins to realize just how much work goes into creating the glossy, polished casts albums that they've enjoyed for so many years.

"Original Cast Album: Co-Op" is a funny, poignant, and sharply observed take on the behind-the-scenes world of musical theater. Whether you're a die-hard fan of Broadway or simply someone who enjoys good comedy, this episode is sure to delight and entertain. So sit back, grab some popcorn, and get ready for a night of laughter and intrigue with the cast of "Co-Op."