I was there today. I saw the show last Saturday and today, and have followed the changes pretty intently.
I felt there was a negative energy looming over the show today for sure. The show was sold out, and the audience response was tepid at best.
Reeve and Jen both seemed tired, both vocally and acting-wise. T.V. and the geek chorus seemed to really be giving it their all, and as flawed as their parts are, I really appreciated that.
I have come to respect the vision that is onstage for what it is. It didn't work, and am, not saying that for a second. But it was a ballsy effort, that failed.
The show really has changed since its first few previews. People continue to say that it hasn't, but it has. What it hasn't always done is change for the better. Re-writing the dialogue of the geek chorus, while making them less annoying, still leaves you with the geek chorus. Re-writing Arachne's Deeply Furious, still leaves you with a song that should have been cut after the second preview.
Clarifying Uncle Ben's death, adding in the web battle, and making the second act well, make sense have all been for the better. The problem is, that it wasn't enough. It is a spectacle, but the whole dream/arachne storyline was too much. It was too out there, and not grounded enough for audiences.
Musically, I really don't think the show is as bad as many say. Rise Above, No More, If the World Should End and Walk Away are all great. The problem often lies in the structure of the song. Bono and Edge never seem to figure out ways to end these songs. I don't always think the tepid audience response had to do with them not liking songs, but more to do with them not understanding how to respond. There was that whole thread on Kicklines a couple of weeks ago and the same thing applies here.
There are many thrilling moments in the show that no one ever seems to highlight.
1. The Weaving Scene. Gorgeous.
2. The Act 1 battle. Still remains a thrilling moment of theater.
3. The reprise of Rise Above at the end of the show. Smart move and great imagery.
I am not saying this is a brilliant show, but in the context of this season I don't think it was ever as bad as it made out to be. Anyone who saw Wonderland or Baby it's you should understand this. Heck, Spider-man's Act II makes WAAY more sense than Wonderland.
I really have loved watching this show change and I look forward to see what the show brings next.
Side Note: I rushed today with Whizzer and witnessed the craziness that was Super Laundry Bag. She was a gem, and I encourage everyone to check out episode 51 one, a Spider-Man: Turn off the dark tribute.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PenlF4Q3Kuo
Updated On: 4/17/11 at 10:56 PM