Superhero
About the show
Before we can save the world, we have to save each other. A new musical from the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer of "Next to Normal" and the Tony Award-winning writer of "Red." More…
"Superhero" centers around a fractured family, the mysterious stranger in apartment 4-B, and the unexpected hero who just might save the day.
“The downbeat book is intelligent and the songs are well-integrated into it. The first act is quite polished, the second act less so. Nevertheless, the show is still emotionally satisfying. The performances by the three principals are very strong. The secondary characters are all underdeveloped...Moore’s direction is a bit sluggish on occasion...If you liked ‘Dear Evan Hansen,’ you might like this too. Just don't go expecting another ‘Next to Normal.’” Full Review
"'Superhero' reminds us how fickle is the alchemy of stage magic...A book by John Logan, music & lyrics by Tom Kitt, direction by Jason Moore. You can imagine the pitch to the backers — how could it miss? Yet it does...The music saves more than a few maudlin moments. The crew wisely kept the effects — clever projection and illusion — relatively simple, mirroring the comic book motif. The choreography was nifty." Full Review
"These three lost souls come together as neighbors do, but it's never quite clear where all this is taking us...The music, while not especially memorable, has its moments...The show, directed by Jason Moore, lives on strong performances...There’s also some truly inventive staging, as Beowulf Boritt's simple but effective set gets taken over by Tal Yarden's projections that turn the whole place into a giant comic book." Full Review
"There are moments that are quite moving, but there are also several tonal problems with Logan's book. First, the supernatural and fantasy elements do not always fit well with the psychological realism in the early scenes...Kitt's songs are better than serviceable, and there are a few small gems...The songs are beautifully served by the fine cast...Director Jason Moore keeps the show moving at a good clip." Full Review
"Pinkham’s glowering presence and delayed timing make this unemployed bus driver alternately creepy and funny, off-putting and compelling, nerdy and appealing...Pinkham is on stage for so much of 'Superhero' that we can ignore the far less interesting Charlotte and Simon...One superhero looks pretty much like another. Only Pinkham is in a class by himself." Full Review
"Maybe the superhero stuff is a little silly, but silliness is not the enemy here. If anything, it saves 'Superhero' from sounding like a softer echo of so many other unhappy family stories...Kitt writes beautifully for his anguished characters, shaping the lyrics to each distinct voice. But there are only so many this-is-what-I’m-feeling-right-now-this-second songs a musical can hold, especially when the plot is so wispy and the conclusion so foregone." Full Review
"Only occasionally rises above the level of pleasant or cute...'Superhero's' biggest problem is that soon after a mildly intriguing opening it becomes one-note and whiny...The songs here are pretty enough, but bland and interchangeable...Director Moore keeps the scenes moving and provides visual energy...But 'Superhero' is a wan little musical that has no compelling story to tell. While the show is far from terrible, at its best, it's sweet and innocuous, at its worst, dull." Full Review
"This musical...does have a message, it just takes a while to complete all its cycles...Baldwin brings both dramatic and musical heft with her glorious singing of Charlotte's arias that have to do with her attempt be the emotional and practical support that Simon needs...Overall, this musical has quite a few nice moments but they are just not quite super enough to insure its success." Full Review
"First, there’s the almost entirely exposition-filled Act 1...Things don’t really pick up post-intermission, but the tunes definitely improve...Regrettably, this is not Kitt’s strongest score...'Superhero’s' real inventiveness comes in its direction and design...But these illustrated moments—which capture our attention and our hearts—are so fleeting. It’s almost unfair not to draw them out." Full Review
"Much of Logan's writing, and the music and lyrics by Tom Kitt, treat this situation with honesty and insight, but the first act is afflicted with a certain drabness...I'm not saying you can't make a musical out of such downbeat material, but the approach here is, arguably, too conventional to pay off. The real superheroes of 'Superhero' are Kate Baldwin and Bryce Pinkham...This is a distressingly monochromatic affair, often humorless and devoted to working a narrow range of feelings." Full Review
"Kate Baldwin is the true hero here. As Simon’s mother Charlotte, she does a heroic job of making a pedestrian character seem like a loving, hurting human being...One predictable moment after another. Superheroes are all very well and good, but it’s those nerds on the ground — the ones who write the words and the music — who do all the hard work for them." Full Review
"Although there is a great deal of talent behind the new musical 'Superhero' at Second Stage Theater, it unfortunately makes little impact. It doesn't help that the thin book by Tony Award winning playwright John Logan is a little too much like the smash hit 'Dear Evan Hansen' which goes much deeper with similar material. Pulitzer Prize winning composer Tom Kitt has written his own lyrics for the first time and they mainly tell us what we know in pedestrian rhymes and phrases." Full Review
“Underpowered new musical doesn’t get off the ground...’Superhero’ wants to blend a broken-home weepie with something magical and pop-culture-y...A mediocre musical...I wish Logan and Kitt had delved more imaginatively into the subject...Kitt’s score, while skillful, suffers from too much mid-tempo pop balladry, and could use more variation, weirdness...Through sheer charisma and talent, Baldwin and McArthur may wring a tear or two out of you.” Full Review
"A well-meaning, flightless tear-jerker, less cool comic book than Hallmark original...It’s not just that 'Superhero’s' concerns are insistently mundane—it’s that Kitt’s songs fail to strike any new sparks off familiar flint...Ultimately there’s something downright creepy in 'Superhero’s' messaging...'Superhero' isn’t attempting to feed us anything we haven’t digested dozens of times before. It’s feel-good theater, only living up to its title in that it keeps all of us extremely safe." Full Review
"Even if Logan's script didn't make everything abundantly clear - I half-suspect it was written for teenagers - Kitt's abundant array of ballads spell out the show's themes in big block letters. That's not to say that they aren't both mostly tuneful and very poignant. And they are splendidly sung by the three main players -- especially by Baldwin, who can break your heart without really trying...A little more dialogue and a little less singing wouldn't have hurt." Full Review
"'Superhero' is a capably crafted, agreeably performed, and fairly dull musical that fails to make the entertaining most of its undeniably original idea...Logan’s script, though unrelievedly drab and recalling 'Dear Evan Hansen' in its basic mother-son situation, is forthright...While their material is scarcely inspired, the performers make the show’s bland doings easy to swallow." Full Review
"The songs (forgettable ditties) are by Tom Kitt....The charmless book is by John Logan...The combination of their proclivities proves deadly, resulting in the predictable tale of a depressed superhero and his neighbors...The most unlikable musical protagonist in recent memory, making it very difficult for us to invest in his happy ending...Despite a troubled script, Jason Moore directs a competent production that is only hindered by a couple of campy visual effects." Full Review
"The new musical by Tom Kitt and John Logan...is not like the typical superhero movie or comic book. That’s both good and bad, but mostly bad. And, although it features a serviceable if unmemorable score, a fine design scheme, and, above all, a superb cast — especially the splendid Kate Baldwin — 'Superhero' is full of disappointments...As earnest and well intentioned as the show’s theme may be, it seems to come at the expense of the fun usually associated with superhero fantasies." Full Review
"'A misfire. Authors with golden track records for serious work have somehow created a musical so lugubrious and underpowered that it never gets off the ground. The problem is built into the low-stakes, high-whimsy concept...Not even as allegory could the fantastical adventure that swallows the second act sustain my interest; its concerns are sketchy, as thin as comic book stock...It does not grant much to 'Superhero' to say that its leads manage to rise above it." Full Review
"Kitt’s pedestrian lyrics, which often hinge on anaemically weak rhymes and are backed by a repetitive, humdrum score. And while both Baldwin and Pinkham do their best with such material, McArthur seems to have trouble hitting the higher notes. Another problem is Logan’s dialogue, which strives for edginess with an occasional burst of profanity but mostly sounds as if it belongs in a dated sitcom. The absence of a proper villain further exacerbates 'Superhero’s' lack of bite." Full Review
"An unfortunately underdeveloped story that is occasionally charming but suffers in an inert production that is confused in tone...So much about 'Superhero' is undercooked...A boy with a superhero obsession mourning his father and building a future with his mother is a lovely idea for a musical; this one is just too cluttered and ill-focused on paper and on stage. Director Jason Moore is unable to wrangle a single style from several competing factions." Full Review
See it if you want a sweet show that reminds you of "Dear Evan Hansen." Though, the story isn't the same, it is about a teen and his mom.
Don't see it if you believe the naysayers. I do not know why this show received such poor reviews. The audience loved it.
Also Kate Baldwin (lovely voice), Bryce Pinkham (perfect facial expressions... Read more Read less
See it if you want to see a surprisingly good, off-beat musical about love, loss, and superheroes.
Don't see it if you need musicals with songs that stand alone. Here the musical numbers simply further the story.
See it if you love a quality new musical even if there are a few tweaks that need to be made.
Don't see it if if you only want big musicals and spectacle, or if you hate musicals. This isn't a perfect work, but it's damn good.
See it if You like family drama (think Next to Normal, Dear Evan Hansen), whimsy ( Fly by Night), and great singing and acting. It’s a fun, small show
Don't see it if You’re looking for the above. It’s a small show. It doesn’t pack the punch of Evan Hanson, or the pathos of Next to Normal.
Also The show was amazing, and the audience was engaged, and gave it a stan... Read more Read less
See it if you enjoy a truly original and clever story told with music and want to see the wonderful Kate Baldwin!
Don't see it if you don't enjoy a quirky original Musical!
See it if want to enjoy an entertaining musical with outstanding scenery.
Don't see it if you want a more intense plot in a play.
See it if family relationships still keep your interest plus wonderful voices and great acting are what you are looking for
Don't see it if you don't believe in super heros
See it if You enjoy a musical with strong talent and a unique twist.
Don't see it if You don’t like musicals or can’t suspend belief.
See it if You want to see a show with a creatively-used set that morphs into different settings, and has occasional animations projected onto it.
Don't see it if You're expecting perfection. I definitely preferred the songs in act 2.
See it if a Dear Evan Hansen-meets-Comic Book story blending realism and fantasy appeals; you’re okay with “cutesy” new musicals with realism at core.
Don't see it if “over” teen-related stories on and off Broadway, or you need deep-thinking pieces with shocking drama and/or strongly-written new musicals.
Also While Superhero can be predictable, it has sweetness, charm, a punch o... Read more Read less
See it if you want to see an original musical with a great cast and sweet story (also if you love references to comics)
Don't see it if you cannot handle anything that incorporates pop culture/comic books. References occur throughout the show.
See it if You like superheros, great singing and acting and moving story lines. As a fan of superheroes and musicals I loved it!
Don't see it if You don't like cliches. While the emotional depth of the main plot is great, the superhero aspect can be a little corny.
See it if You are raising a teenager, particularly solo, or if you want to get a taste of Tom Kitt's music, or if you just want a change of pace.
Don't see it if you're not ready to suspend some disbelief and enjoy a sweet story well told with interesting projections and effects that held my interest.
Also The real star of the show here is Kyle McArthur as Simon, who had me r... Read more Read less
See it if you enjoy smart, fresh takes on musicals. Nice effects that didn’t overpower the story.
Don't see it if you want a big cast and stereotypical theatre music.
See it if you enjoy seeing quirky new musicals in development. Pinkham and Baldwin are increidble and Kyle Mcarthur is one to watch out for!
Don't see it if Has a DEH feel, but story not quite as flushed out and strong. Still needs some work, but great songs and great scenic design.
Also I liked this show. It's not perfect and could benefit from some better... Read more Read less
See it if you enjoy DEH or Next to Normal. You couldn't ask for a stronger team of actors. A really moving story on reconciling fantasy with reality.
Don't see it if you're cynical. A certain amount of suspension of disbelief is required to invest in the story.
Also The book needs a little tweaking, along with a song or two. But there ... Read more Read less
See it if See it if you're a fan of Tom Kitt and Next to Normal and like smaller musicals about teen angst and family drama.
Don't see it if If you only like traditional, old-fashioned musicals.
Also Could have been great, but the plot got stuck. Needs more twists and t... Read more Read less
See it if you want to see a sweet show about a mother and son dealing with aftermath of a tragic event..but also quirky&funny w great singing
Don't see it if you don't like comic books, don't like shows with very long songs
See it if The goods are all there ... just needs a superhero to elevate the material to great. Kate Baldwin and Bryce Pinkham are the heroes.
Don't see it if Looking for a perfect musical.
See it if would like a beautifully performed mother-son drama with an interesting superhero theme
Don't see it if expecting the score to be as strong as that of Next to Normal, or even If/Then
Also Bryce Pinkham has a true talent for portraying awkward which made for ... Read more Read less
See it if You like small, intimate musicals (like Next to Normal) that have original, absorbing, family-driven stories.
Don't see it if You’re expecting the next big Tom Kitt hit. Though enjoyable and touching, this is a minor work that won’t really stick with you.
See it if You like new musicals, don't mind sad topics. Beautiful voices. You liked Evan Hansen and Next to Normal. You are ok with crying.
Don't see it if You've had enough of tragic boy high school stories. You can't handle tough story lines. You want a big splashy song and dance musical.
See it if you want to see a phenomenal cast take on a show that is a work in progress but has promise. Kate Baldwin is absolutely brilliant!
Don't see it if you can only sit through very polished pieces. This is a perfect example of off-broadway being used to examine new work and make changes.
Compare prices from $32
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Regular price $79. Offer valid for select performances through March 31, 2019. All prices include $2.00 facility fee. There is an 8 ticket limit per order. Normal service charges apply to phone and internet orders. Performance schedule subject to change. All sales are final – no refunds or exchanges. Offer may be revoked or modified at any time without notice.
Details
$59 Tickets on Select Orchestra Seats
Terms
Regular price $79. Offer valid for select performances through March 31, 2019. All prices include $2.00 facility fee. There is an 8 ticket limit per order. Normal service charges apply to phone and internet orders. Performance schedule subject to change. All sales are final – no refunds or exchanges. Offer may be revoked or modified at any time without notice.
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