Poster for the Spiderman Musical
I have watched and enjoyed the Spiderman movies, and I think the reason why the movie franchise is so popular is because of the special effects. Most of the stunts and special effects look very realistic, and I think that really draws the audience in. Watching a movie with brilliant acting but horrible effects does ruin the feel of the movie, especially if you see the actors hanging on wires and dodging explosions on a green screen. That’s why I’m not sure how Spiderman the musical will do in attracting and keeping fans and audiences. Although it is already being called “the most expensive and technically elaborate Broadway show in history,” I don’t think it can be as great as the movies. Yesterday in class Professor Smaldone said that a play can have a cheaper set, but as long as it changes throughout the performance and the audience uses their imagination, it can suffice. While I do think it’s true in the case of Iolanthe, something that is so popular and well-known as Spiderman is bound to have negative reviews because it just can’t live up to the movies.
Producers are keeping the details of the show a secret, but there is a video posted on facebook that shows a pretty interesting set and flying!! HERE IS THE LINK What do you think?
Interesting. It would be a real challenge to translate the very specific and cinematic effects of the Spiderman brand to the physical effects of the live theater.
It will be interesting to compare the stage effects of Cosi fan Tutte at the Met this week. Some operatic productions go to extraordinary lengths to provide dramatic stage machinery, some go decidedly “low tech.”