New Spider-Man Musical Brings the Action to Broadway
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Prior to his "transformation," Osborn's genius is lashed to his business, Oscorp Laboratory, where a field trip brings an adoring Peter Parker into his world. As soon as the two meet, it becomes clear they share a bond -- one that will be forever distorted after a genetically enhanced spider bites Peter (unleashing a string of Spidey superpowers) and Osborn opts to become a human guinea pig and "Join the proud and few/Who know best for their country," Viper Worldwide.
The final metamorphosis -- at least in the case of the Green Goblin -- doesn't reach the height of gleeful villainy until the top of Act II where Page emerges in full cartoon monster-liciousness and, aided by an ensemble of demon students, belts out the showstopper "A Freak Like Me Needs Company."
"The show is designed to work with an ebb and flow that matches up with kids' attention spans," says Page, noting that the next scene features the gorgeous "If the World Should End," a love ballad between Peter and Mary Jane that skews more to adults. "More than any other show I've been in," he says, "Spider-Man has appeal that spans the generation barrier."
All the Details
Spider-Man, Turn Off the Dark is playing at Foxwoods Theatre, 213 West 42nd Street.
Recommended age range: Seven and up, but younger hardcore Spidey fans may insist-parental call (check out the website first)
Performance Schedule: Tuesday-Thursday, 7:30pm; Friday & Saturday, 8pm; Wednesday, 1:30pm; Saturday, 2pm; Sunday, 3pm.
Tickets: $67.50 - $140 for all performances. Call (877) 250-2929 or visit www.spidermanonbroadway.com for tickets and a full array of cool info and merchandise.
Insider Info: From Film to the Stage
- While the original Marvel graphic novels and the 2002 film starring Tobey Maguire and Willem Dafoe included Norman's son/Peter's schoolmate, Harry, the stage show does not.
- Turning Dr. Osborn into the Green Goblin during the show's 15-minute intermission requires
six people and utilizes six pieces of light foam that move with the actor's facial muscles, as well as two mics that run through the costume.
- Several of the company members have a professional connection to the original director/co-book author, Julie Taymor, including Reeve Carney, who stars in her film adaptation of The Tempest, and Patrick Page, who worked with her on The Lion King.
- Broadway's opening night (6/14/11) audience included President Bill Clinton, who said "New York has never seen anything like Spider-Man, Turn Off the Dark. And I am very proud of them for not giving up-it was fabulous."
- In addition to being an action-packed theatrical event, Spider-Man, Turn Off the Dark addresses a number of issues relevant to young kids and teens including bullying (the song "Bullying by Numbers"), loss of a loved one (the death of Peter's beloved Uncle Ben), alcoholism (Mary Jane's father), and dealing with changes in yourself and your surroundings.