What an event! The hottest free ticket in town! No one could have foreseen that “The Spidey Project” a musical written in thirty days with zero budget would open and close at the PIT (Peoples Improv Theatre 123 East 24th Street) on the eve of the day of infamy (the Ides of March) of the much delayed – yet postponed again – opening of that infamous “Spider Man – Turn Off The Dark” (March 14th, 2011). But it did. And it did so brilliantly.
Funny. Quick. Clever. Imaginative. And cheap (in the good sense of the word). The Spidey Project won over its SRO audience completely at the 8 pm performance that I was privileged to attend and was overflowing with its 10pm devotees waiting to enter as I left.
What a shame that because of something as stupid as “rights” we shall never see “The Spidey Project” again. It shall remain the cult hit of 2011. It shall be remembered as one of the funniest evenings at the PIT. It shall, hopefully, catapult the creators into being able to write another musical equally full of wit and merriment and melody. It will spawn tee shirts emblazoned with “I was there with Spidey 3/14/11”.
Justin Moran came up with the idea. He directed. He also is co writer for the book and lyrics with Jon Roufaeal. He’s wonderful.
The moment I heard about the show I wanted to see it as I had seen Justin’s POPE! An Epic Musical at Fringe Festival 2010 and thought very highly of it. The guy is smart and amusing and is what musical theatre needs to bring back the excitement, creativity and spontaneity without a sixty five million dollar budget.
Many of the memorable cast members of Pope! gave of their time and talent to bring this show to the lucky few given the golden ticket to a Saturday Night Live version of the Spider Man legend.
With simple props and wonderfully pulsating melodic music by Doug Katsaros and Adam Podd. We await their Broadway debuts.
Mr. Katsaros’ “Chipotle”, a perfect product placement Samba infused number, was one of the highlights. As was the sweet romantic “When I Look at You” which is hysterically interrupted by the “Villain Song”. You will never forget “I am Hero” and the infectious finale.
The incredibly talented cast : Liz Bachman, Claire Neumann, Michael Lutton, Justin Moran, Ryan Nelson, Travis Nilan, Louie Pearlman, Robin Rothman and Jon Roufaeal should be on every casting directors must see list.
The unusual and amusing choreography by David Rossetti and the acrobatic and awe inspiring fight sequences choreographed by Dylan Giannunzio added immensely to the explosive spirit of the evening.
We all hope that whatever happens to that other Spider Man musical that Justin Moran may one day get the rights to proceed full speed ahead with “The Spidey Project”. You never know.
www.thespideyproject.blogspot.com
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