Review: IT'S A BIRD...IT'S A PLANE...IT'S SUPERMAN at TYKES

Tykes (Theatre Young Kinds Enjoy) returns to the JCC Hart Theatre for a thrilling adventure that will excite and entertain the whole family. And of course, living in the age of the constant drip-drip of superhero movies, it's one we're all familiar with. But while Superman awes and delights on the silver screen, nothing beats seeing him in person!

It's a Bird...It's a Plane...It's Superman (a musical composed by Charles Strouse, with lyrics by Lee Adams and book by David Newman) hits the comic book beats that we're familiar with, but with all the flair and showmanship of a Broadway musical. The plot focuses on Superman (Nick Winger)'s efforts to defeat Dr. Abner Sedgwick (Drew Jensen), a ten-time Nobel Prize-losing scientist who seeks to avenge the scientific world's dismissal of his brilliance by attempting to destroy the world's symbol of good. Additionally, Superman comes into conflict with Max Mencken (Joe Badaracco), a columnist for the Daily Planet newspaper, who resents Lois Lane (Lauren MacDonough)'s attraction to Superman, and later teams up with Sedgwick to destroy him.

Intertwined with this familiar hero vs. villain storyline are grabby musical numbers that are not only delightful to listen to, but also will have kids dancing in the aisles (at least, they were on the night I attended). Particular standouts include "You've Got Possibilities", the song performed by Sydney (Kara DePorter), a secretary at the Daily Planet as she tries to transform Clark from a square to a stud. Equally fun-albeit maniacal-is Dr. Sedgwick's "Revenge", in which he really showcases the mad scientist persona.

Tying the show together is a production design that perfectly captures the comic book aesthetic, with panel-style backdrops and impressive special effects during the scenes in Dr. Sedgwick's lab. Director Michael Krickmire does a wonderful job at putting a show together that is visually eye-grabbing while also entertaining for both kids and adults.

Rather than going to see the 100th Marvel movie, I would urge parents to take their kids to the JCC this weekend, where they can get all the fun of a superhero movie combined with the joy of live theatre. It's a Bird...It's a Plane...It's Superman is unique and special treat for the whole family. It's playing at the JCC Hart Theatre until March 17th. For tickets and more information, click here.

To post a comment, you must register and login.