Holly Crap Spiderman!

[theaterfan862]

Posted: 7/25/12 at 8:31pm

Last night I had the privilege to witness firsthand the train wreck that is Spiderman Turn Off The Dark! I went with my husband and a friend mostly because of curiosity. Half way through the first act it was serious contender for worst show I have ever seen but by intermission it was obvious that this show takes the prize!
I don't know where to begin but I guess I will start with its pretty dreadful score! I see why they performed "If the World Should End" at the Tonys and that is because it is the best song by far. The song "Bullying By Numbers" is one ofthe worst things I have ever heard! I knew the score was bad but had no idea it was that bad.
The book was almost nonexistent and had no character development. It was worse than Wonderland's book and that is saying a lot. Wonderland at least had characters with a purpose and the story had very small glimmers of potential. It is vey hard to believe that there is a worst book than Wonderland's but Spiderman is definitely worse.
The only redeeming qualities Siderman had was the actress playing Mary Jane and Patrick Page. Patcick Page did a lot with the little he was given. I hated the whinyness of Reeve Carney's voice. I cringed everytime he sang!
I can go on and on about how horrible this show is. I am just glad I bought rush tickets and didn't spend 250 a ticket like I know some poor suckers did. I have no idea how this show is still on but I guess to each's own.

[Quiche2]

Posted: 7/25/12 at 8:36pm

I agree that the book/score isn't great, but I enjoyed the show mainly because of the stunts. I liked how "Bouncing Off The Walls" was staged. Especailly when Spidey flew over the orchestra. I saw it about 3 months ago, and I also saw an early preview. I think it was about the 9th or 10th preview. During the preview when they were still working out the flying kinks, during the orchestra fly-over Spidey almost landed right on the lady in the row infront of me. He didn't fall, but I could tell the wires were very loose and he came close.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 7/25/12 at 9:03pm

You spelled holy wrong, and that's more of a 1960's Batman reference than a Spider-Man one.

Updated On: 7/25/12 at 09:03 PM

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 7/25/12 at 9:14pm

Is it Christmas in July?

[emo_geek]

Posted: 7/25/12 at 9:16pm

I saw it on Sunday and completely agree. I thought Bullying by Numbers was such a joke. I couldn't believe it was on a Broadway stage.

Also, I felt that the stunts, while impressive, were obviously slow. I know it has to do with safety and whatnot, but we would stare at Spiderman in the launch position for what seemed like forever while we waited for the set pieces to move. I'm sure it was much more impressive when it was all happening fast and people were getting hurt. Maybe I am just use to Cirque Du Soleil, but I wasn't wowed by the flying.

Also, someone needs to pop the wrestler and get an actor in the part.

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 7/25/12 at 9:17pm

I am in the vast minority in that I really liked this show. I saw it back in August 2011. No, the book and score are not anywhere near perfect, but there were some high points (Rise Above and Boy Falls From the Sky). I am a HUGE tech theatre junkie, so naturally I found this show very entertaining just from the technical aspects alone. The star of the show is the special effects for sure - I will not even try to refute that, but I still enjoyed it for what it was. I would take Spider-Man over Lion King and Wicked any day though.

[DEClarke]

Posted: 7/30/12 at 6:22pm

My eyes loved Spider-Man when I saw it on 7/22/12. We were in the center of the Flying Circle row A. The stunts and tricks were well worth the high ticket price. The score could be a lot better... but it suffices. The only thing I particularly did not enjoy was that "Vertigo" was playing at the club. I felt like that was a cheap plug for U2. Compose something new for the club scene. Patrick Page definitely made the show though, but the stunts and sets are the stars. It was fun. I'm glad I saw it as it will NEVER tour.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 7/30/12 at 6:34pm

^It could easily tour. You just have to have a little imagination. If they scaled back the design and regulated the flying sequences to brief over audience flights, they could utilize the rigging already in place that allows Cathy Rigby to fly out over the audience in Peter Pan. Since video screens are already part of the design, I could also see them replacing some of the flying and fight sequences with pre-filmed 3D videos like the last Starlight Express tour did with the race sequences.

It wouldn't be impossible, it would just be even more tacky.

Updated On: 7/30/12 at 06:34 PM

[Playbilly]

Posted: 7/30/12 at 7:16pm

Spiderman? You mean "Spider-Man", or "Spiderman" the lawyer in Brighton Beach?

Lighten up Spidey-haters. It's Phantom or Wicked for boys. Lots of spectacle to look at. Not every show is Art. Some is just Entertainment. And even then, not always the best, of course.

Worse ever? You must have missed Addams Family.