Okay so here is my long review of Spiderman, which I saw Tonight, Sun @7PM
If you have nothing nice to say about it, no need to say anything
Let me first say how much I've always been rooting for this show. At first, I was indifferent but with Jenn Damiano, Reeve Carney, Paige,etc.... being cast I really became a follower and was always rooting for it, so that could of had an effect on my reactions.
I also read a bunch of synopsis' on this show and all the posts on this thread.
My seats were first row balcony which were excellent. I could see the entire stage and all the flying. I would definitely recommend these seats or mezz. over orchestra.
*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*
Okay here we go...
I think what shocks most people is this story does not really resemble the movie at all. I was expecting to recognize a lot of things but it really follows the comic books and I think it portrays a comic book actually really well.
The Geek Chorus to me worked. I enjoyed them (mostly Alice Lee, who was fantastic) and they were a nice break from all the adrenaline from the show. I don't know the whole hype of why everyone hates them, I think it works out really well.
The first act went by really fast. I think one problem is that the show tells too many stories and doesn't just focus on one. I also think they could cut the entire 2nd act and stretch out the 1st act into 2 different acts. 3 things really bothered me. Uncle Bens death was so quick and boring that it wasn't really significant at all. The fight scene between the Green Goblin and Spiderman was so anti-climatic. All they did was hang on to each other and swing over the audience. The way the Green Goblin died was lame, also. Spiderman basically just said that he was attached to the piano and then he died? It just ended. Fix those 3 things and you have a thumbs up for me for the 1st act. The songs were mostly passable. I don't understand why everyone is bashing the score in general. Cut and Change DYI WORLD and PULL THE TRIGGER and it should be ok. Also, the piano song in the end was ehhhh for me and didn't really make sense.
Second Act
I made sure to be very cautious in understanding it from everyones reviews. It was all ok until that damn SHOE SONG. Doesn't make sense, saw people leaving after it, just CUT IT. A fork in an apple would make more sense than that. The entire book after the shoe song needs to be fixed too. It's too confusing and stupid. THINK AGAIN, DEEPLY FURIOUS, LOVE ME OR KILL ME AND SINISTERO should be cut and changed, also. Other than that, the score was fine. The ending should be very climatic. It was stupid and I think everyone knows it and I think Julie will fix it.
CAST:
Reeve- Okay, here is my problem with him. To me Peter Parker is a dorky teenager. Reeve is hot. He just doesn't look like a tweeb. His voice is WAYYYYYY wrong for this part too. It's so rock-sounding and deep, just doesn't sound what Peter Parker should. Not only is it rock-sounding but he also sounded TERRIBLE. I rarely say that too but it seemed anything over the middle range of the voice just CRACKED! The Boy Falls from the Sky was GOD AWFUL. The only worse than the singing was the ACTING. It was laughable at times. To me, totally wrong casting and will DEFINITELY not be getting good reviews. I actually wish I saw the alternate.
Jenn- Again, she does a fantastic job in what she is given. At first I was kind of put off because something just seemed off. I then thought that I'm just used to her being a bitch on stage (w/ Natalie from N2N) so it took me a while to adjust. She does a fine job and was the best thing about the show. IF THE WORLD SHOULD END was my favorite song and her voice with it gave me the chills. Her acting was a little run-thru but I think once she settles into the role, she will have it down. Brava to her.
Patrick Paige- I may be in the minority but I HATED him. I thought his southern accent and annoying personality was terrible. His character and numbers were just not well-written and I really just didn't enjoy his performance.
TV Carpio- was on for Archane. She should definitely be the one to take over this role. After Jen, she stole the show. Her voice was unique and incredible. I really enjoyed everything she did and was really impressed with her performance, especially since she's just getting into the character.
The effects and costumes were some of the best I've seen on Broadway.
I was very entertained and really had a big smile on my face through the entire show and I don't think it deserves all the bashing it's getting. I'll just say this: I don't care who you are, what your background is, if you haven't seen this show with your own eyes you really have no right to bash it. That's my opinion, I hope you enjoyed reading it!
