Are you looking for a high-flying, web-slinging adventure? Then Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark might just be for you. Filled with amazing acrobatics and scintillating sets, Spider-Man is an audacious theatrical interpretation of a classic comic. This very boldness, however, may not interest everyone, especially those with a more conservative view of musical theatre.
What I really liked about this show was its interactive nature. Several times, the Spider-Man shot out webs towards the audience. While flying around, Spider-Man, played by Reeve Carney, stopped in the “flying circle” (mezzanine section in most theatres) to wave to the kids in the audience. In another (and I think funnier) example, the Green Goblin, played by Robert Cuccioli, opened the second act with a joke about the lines at the theater bathroom that delayed several viewers’ return to their front-row orchestra seats. That attentiveness was refreshing, and it showed that the actors were very interested in making a great show for their audience.
That said, Spider-Man did have its disappointments. Coming in with such high expectations for a Bono-inspired score, I found that the music seemed lackluster and boring at times. While it probably was the vision of the show’s directors to evade a standard show tune sound in favor of a more hybrid attempt at rock, it just didn’t resonate with me. I was also puzzled by the strained incorporation of the Greek myth of Arachne, which seemed like an unnecessary and ancillary addition to the production.
Overall, however, the cast put on a very enjoyable show. To those who are interested in seeing the performance, I do not recommend orchestra seats because a lot of the action takes place overhead. Also, I definitely think that Spider-Man is a family friendly show that would be a favorite for preteen children, and so I certainly recommend it for those audiences. To those looking for a more typical Broadway experience, it would be best to look elsewhere.
The musical Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark is currently playing at the Foxwoods Theatre on 213 West 42nd Street. Visit spidermanonbroadway.marvel.com for more information on tickets and show times.
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