Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark

Chances are you’ve heard of this musical. Perhaps the things you heard were not very kind. It’s true Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark has seen quite a few troubles since it debuted in 2011. It is the most expensive Broadway production in history. It received less than favorable reviews from many critics who saw the early previews of the show too. In the previews, many of the stunts turned out to be dangerous, resulting in injuries to members of the cast. This, along with reworking the score, caused delays in production. The musical does hold the record for sales in a single week, earning $2.9 million across just nine shows. Despite those early troubles and the reviews from critics, Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark is still playing at Foxwoods Theatre, and fans are starting to embrace it.

Fans of Marvel’s wall crawler will likely want to see this musical over others playing in NYC. It features songs from Bono and The Edge, and the classic Spider-Man story that everyone knows and loves. The musical encompasses the origin story, the death of Uncle Ben, Mary Jane, Aunt May, combat with the Green Goblin, and more. While the plot of the show does not tread new ground, it may be the familiarity of the tale that helps to draw in fans. Comic book readers know the story by heart, but even those who are only familiar with the recent films still have a good idea of what to expect at the show. It does have a few changes that should keep fans guessing though.

When things go right with the show, it can be a true visual marvel. The acrobatics and stunts, while different from the original vision, are still impressive. Those who have seen the latest iteration of the show seem far more impressed than the critics who saw the original preview versions. It’s a shame the musical might not get the attention it deserves! You can remedy that the next time you are in NYC and looking for something fun to see on Broadway. Buy tickets, bring the kids, and have fun.

Categorized in: Theater