Comic book hero stage adaptations are far more common than you might think. Despite the huge cinematic releases we get to see each year, the stage is no stranger to tights and capes. From Spiderman to the Addams Family, here are some famous faces with exciting stage plays.
It’s a Bird… It’s a Plane… It’s Superman
Superman is an iconic superhero and the most well-known, and has always been popular through various formats, not just in comics. Everyone knows that 1978’s Superman: The Movie made Clark Kent a household name. However, “It’s a Bird… It’s a Plane… It’s Superman” took the blue tights and red trunks to the stage in 1966 on Broadway, and followed Superman as he battled evil and romanced Lois Lane. Check out Broadway.com for similar experiences.
Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark
Alongside Batman and Superman sits Spiderman among the most famous heroes. While Spidey loves swinging through New York in stylized cinematic masterpieces, he has also dropped into Broadway in the past. “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark” is one of the most expensive productions ever made, with actors flying through the air in stunning setpieces. As an origin story, Peter Parker battled Green Goblin, while the audience enjoyed a U2 soundtrack!
Hero Stage Adaptations from Marvel
Marvel has been the king of superhero movies lately, with 37 and counting across the MCU, with the most recent release, Fantastic Four: First Steps, hopefully reinvigorating the franchise. Alongside these are lesser-known “Marvel Spotlight” adaptations for B and C-list heroes:
- Ms. Marvel, or Kamala Khan, is among the roster of heroes aimed at young audiences.
- Marvel Spotlight has introduced child-friendly Thor and Loki stories to the universe.
- Even Doreen Green has a Marvel Spotlight adaptation in “Squirrel Girl Goes to College”.
The Addams Family musical
They’re spooky and cooky, but still managed to get a stage production alongside the success of two hugely successful movies and Netflix’s recent Wednesday. While they aren’t the usual type of hero, there is something to be said about the macabre honesty of everyone’s favorite gothic family. The Addams Family musical took the stage in 2010, with Wednesday falling in love with a normal teen boy, leading to all kinds of silliness when she meets the parents at dinner!
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown
Not all heroes have to fly, swing, and run fast. There are heroes by virtue of who they are. Among these are Charlie Brown and Snoopy, from Charles M. Shultz’s beloved Peanuts. “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” (originally conceived in 1966) was adapted into a stage musical production. But who is Charlie without his beloved white Beagle? Well, taking that into consideration, “Snoopy!!!” also made its way to the stage as a sequel to Charlie’s play.
Summary
“It’s a Bird… It’s a Plane… It’s Superman” is just a single example of the many comic book hero adaptations that have helped popularize the characters we love. Marvel Spotlight is helping cast some light on underrepresented heroes, and even Charlie Brown and Snoop got musicals!
