Superhero

See it if You want to see a clever original idea even if it’s not fully fleshed out, its a good attempt. Great voices & acting in roles lacking soul.

Don't see it if You’re unwilling to think with your inner child on this one. If you can’t/won’t relate to idea of wanting to be a comic book hero, not 4 U.

Also I liked the idea of this show better than this actual show. The music seemed very “Lite FM”... and just didn’t work for me. What should have been emotional just wasn’t. I found that I just didn’t really care about these characters. I’m not sure if it’s the way they were written or acted or sung...maybe a little of each? It was a good show...but not a great show.... Read more Read less

See it if Teenager whose dad died longs for a new superhero, while his mom tries to get through to him. Realistic and moving. Characters who grow.

Don't see it if You are not in the mood for a story about grieving and taking the next step. The music is a bit simplistic and generic, but it works.

Also I preferred this show to Dear Evan Hansen. Superhero has three well developed characters (the teen, his mother, and a shy neighbor) who grow. It isn't just about the teen. Also in Superhero, the issues play out and are resolved in a natural way. Whereas I did not find D.E.H. believable.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see Kate Baldwin (the only saving grace of this flightless musical) soar as a woeful single mom belting Next To Normal rejects.

Don't see it if you expect a superhero musical with any Wham! Pop! Kapow! [This is a tolerable production, but one seriously dull, trite affair.]

Also How did so much talent get so much wrong?!

See it if Baldwin, Pinkham & McArthur sing their hearts out to little avail in this slight drama about loss & redemption Borritt's eyecatching set A+

Don't see it if Despite the high whimsy levels, it's the banal music/lyrics by Kitt that ground this superhero Logan's book & Moore's direction listless

See it if Great voices by the lead trio. Super set. Special effects on target Projections perfect. Lighting the best.Nice bit re: opening see ALSO

Don't see it if Only negative was the ultra powerful A/C on a cold night see ALSO

Also The opening scene is great 5 red hooded folks gave a great semi- dance touch to the scene. Major item that I am convinced about more and more..It pays to read all the negative reviews pre- show and the expectations are sure to be surpassed. Amazing audience of younger folks at 2nd Stage I have been accustomed to an older audience, The show did appeal to a full house.... Read more Read less

See it if very promising 1st act w sensitive acting & affecting singing by Kate Baldwin, Bryce Pinkham & newcomer Kyle McArthur

Don't see it if 2nd act drives superhero theme into ground w emotional but strident/obvious songs; cliched ending: look 2 ourselves not superhero 2 save us

See it if Original musical of a mother forging a connection with her imaginative son. Kate Baldwin soars. Universal "we're all superheroes" fantasy.

Don't see it if Flimsy plot and comic book framed sequences cause distance to what's transpiring on stage. Tries too hard to create flights of fancy.

Also Lyric:"I wish you could save me from this life before I disappear."

See it if you like superheroes mixed with a healthy dose of reality, or you're a fan of Kate Baldwin's or Bryce Pinkham's.

Don't see it if you're expecting something at the level of Next to Normal because of Tom Kitt's involvement.

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 a nicely written musical about what happens to a boy who loses his father. The musical numbers are set very well with good lyrics.

Don't see it if you don't like talk of loss of someone close or like lavish musicals.

Also The second act really advanced the show and is very moving at times. In the first act there is funny talk of Superheroes but in the second act you find out what that talk is about. Ending is excellent, just right.... Read more Read less

See it if Great singing, great staging. Interesting premise. Impressive original new musical.

Don't see it if This should really be the mother's story, instead it's the son's story and it falls flat and he gets annoying.

See it if you are a fan of someone in the cast or like some cliche social commentary about who the real superheros are.

Don't see it if you're expecting good songs, a fresh story, or any show stopping moments. It's watchable, but a total disappointment.

See it if you like comic books, incredible singing,fun sets.Story is predictable & not particularly interesting.But the performances make up for that.

Don't see it if if you want an original story.It's the theme of Next to Normal, Dear Evan Hansen, but nowhere near as moving or important.Still, it's fun.

See it if interested in comic books; fantasy; Tom Kitt writing both music & lyrics; excellent singing & somewhat novel plot.

Don't see it if you're easily bored. Promising first act, but slow, repetitive second act grows tiresome.

Also Kate Baldwin is excellent but deserves better material.

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 of fun, and sad realism among the fantasy. With more powerful music and refreshed lyrics that don’t feel so cliché, not to mention a stronger use of minor characters (i.e. Vic, Rachel, Dwayne), it can really come alive. Newbie Kyle McArthur is an endearing, clear-voiced Simon (our “hero”); yet, the real scene stealers are Bryce Pinkham as mysterious neighbor Jim and Kate Baldwin as Simon’s literary scholar single-mother trying to save the world, so to speak. Pinkham and Baldwin are perfect together—I felt they could really let their voices go big and beautiful in a larger space. Beowulf Boritt’s set design is clever and perfect for the space—his fresh work never disappoints, blending smartly with the story-telling. I can definitely envision this show, with some rewrites and expanded story-telling, transferring to Broadway (if Be More Chill and Dear Evan Hansen can find footing there, so should this more soulful show).... Read more Read less

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 rooting for him as soon as he opened his mouth. He was very reminiscent of Barry Gordon in 1000 Clowns in that he got the audience on his side quickly and I marvelled at how someone so young could convey so much emotion. Michael Rupert did it 50 years ago in The Happy Time; Peyton Lusk is another juvenile who can captivate.

Kate Baldwin as the single mother was so touching and almost heartbreaking in her desire to make everything right for herself and her son.

Bryce Pinkham, who was not recognizable into well into act 1, as always delivers beyond expectation, and made me believe who was who he claimed to be.

Tom Kitt's music is not my style, but it did it's work here. Set design and effects were super, and I wish we had more sincerely heartfelt stories like this. I was with two friends, and we were united in liking this show. It's not Carousel, but then, it's not trying to be. Enjoy it for what it is.... Read more Read less

See it if You hope to find the superhero in each of us...and love to hear Baldwin and Pinkham at their best

Don't see it if You are a super disbeliever who doesn't want to give new work a chance

See it if enjoy family drama stories told through music

Don't see it if no depth, songs (some good) didn't add much to the story, never fully explained one of the main characters

See it if you're ready for one more teenage angst story. There are some poignant moments. Cast is terrific.

Don't see it if you're looking for a completely developed story. Some plot elements are not totally resolved.

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 storyline development. A couple of the characters (and there were only 7) felt superfluous. But despite its flaws, it still has a lot of heart. If you decide to check it out (it's worth doing so), you'll be entertained.... Read more Read less

See it if you're into the work of Tom Kitt, or you like Kate Baldwin or Bryce Pinkham. This show could be really good if it shifted its focus on the

Don't see it if mom and the superhero and away from the shitty teenage boy. I hope they keep workshopping it and find the gem that's waiting inside.

See it if You like well-scored, predictable musicals without very many surprises. The music was great, the songs were trite to fine, the acting good.

Don't see it if You're looking for anything out of the mold or something that a comic book fan would enjoy. This was a watered-down but pleasant show.

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 fans of Baldwin &/or Pinkham--both shine in this. Are willing to see something that doesn't quite feel finished but has some lovely moments.

Don't see it if you don't want to see a musical that deals with grief. If you are intolerant of cliched, trite lyrics and songs that are repetitive.

See it if You are a fan of Tom Kitt's music. You want to see a very contained and mellow musical.

Don't see it if You are expecting a musical that feels rooted in the culture of comic books. Dislike musicals where not much happens.

Also "Well there its for all to see. When you're in danger call on Vee. She is fearless and courageous. The kind of hero I could never be. I didn't save the girl... but can the girls save me?" -Superhero

The lyrics above are from my favorite piece from Superhero, I'll Save the Girl. It shows what the musical could have been. It's a brilliant subversion of a classic comic book trope.

But, mostly, Superhero reads like the work of someone who is severely disinterested in the history and culture of the comic book world.

Most damagingly, Superhero moves in circles, and lacks any clear conflict, let alone a dastardly villain.

The performances are all superb. Bryce Pinkham in particular is compelling as the titular loner/hero. The voices are all sublime.

The orchestrations are nice but the sound design is lacking. The audience member beside me wondered at intermission if there was a live band present. (There is, and it features bassist extraordinaire, and JRB go-to, Randy Landau.)... Read more Read less