Phil Erickson as Superman
OREM — Bring crackers! "It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's Superman," is a veritable cheese plate smorgasbord. Some parts are like a creamy mellow cheese; some parts have holes like a great Swiss variety, and some parts are just down right stinky like a pungent bleu.
This campy '60s musical is stripped right from the comic pages. It's probably one of the only places you'll see Superman dancing the "twist," the "mashed potato," "jerk," and the "funky chicken" — blue tights and all.
The story line is more about those wanting to destroy Superman than about the Man of Steel himself. His enemies are either jealous or crazy. This particular Superman needs his public just a little more than the public needs him. Keep your eyes open for the media presentation. It's a kick.
Principles in this ensemble include: Phil Erickson (Superman/Clark Kent); Karissa Flanagan (Lois Lane); Shawn Lynn (Jim Morgan); Marc Haddock (Dr. Abner Sedgwick); Kevin Goertzen (Max Menchen); Corinne Mayberry (Sydney), and Michael Young (Perry White).
Added to that mix is Devin Spann as Father Ling with his Flying Lings: Kotahi Tarawhiti, Rob Hickman, William Lo and James Lo. An ensemble of 24 dancers and singers complete the troupe.
The entire cast does a great job with the schmaltz. Big grins, raised eyebrows, over-the-top hairdos and a fantastic wardrobe, particularly the women's shoes, are wonderful and add to the flavor of the show. The ensemble pieces are energetic and solid. It's almost like watching the old "Laugh In" TV show. Pre-show entertainment includes excerpts from the old Superman radio shows.
Some fun musical numbers include "We need Him," "Superman," "Revenge," "You've Got Possibilities," "Ooh, Do You Love You," "Pow! Bam! Zonk!," and "You've Got What I Need." You could leave the theater humming a few. "You've Got What I need," sung by Haddock and Goertzen is reminiscent of the male team in "The Producers."
Superman strength or magic could have really helped out with the technical aspects of the show. To be fair, opening night was more of a dress-rehearsal. This reviewer returned the next night and found the show much more palatable. However, technical difficulties, malfunctions and carelessness made some of the show hard to watch either night and kept the audience in suspense as to what faux pas would happen next.
The general public will get a kick out of this encore season opener, and it is worth the ticket. However, keep your eyes open and watch out for objects — like flying office furniture — in the front row.
Sensitivity rating: This is fun for the whole family. Small children may get bored after the first act.
E-mail: pugmire@desnews.com
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