An Audience Member's Suggestions for Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark

This past Saturday, I went to see the much-criticized Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark at the Foxwoods Theatre in New York City. Before I talk about the performance, let's get some things clear: "Spider-Man" is in previews, which means it hasn't opened yet, however a preview performance has an audience; also, the show not only has a world-record for most expensive Broadway show ($65 milion - previous record-holder was Shrek: The Musical with a mere $25 million) but it will also be the show with the most preview performances once it opens on March 15th. Preview performances are so a show can ready itself for the critics. Some shows hardly need any time, such as a revival that really doesn't have any script changes; some shows, particularly original musicals or plays, need more previews to ensure the show and its people are at its best for opening night - the night the critics arrive and review.

Many critics, while disgruntled from the multiple extensions to Spider-Man's opening night, are holding off on a review, while others have gone right ahead and told what they think about a premature show. I - being an amateur blogging critic (does anyone even read this?) - was going to review the show, however, after seeing the high-flying spectacle, will do something a little different - I'd like to suggest.

I will try to refrain from suggestions that appear close to critiques, but that may be difficult. Anyways, here they are:

(1) Arachne is an incredible creation/inspiration for the show. She adds dimension and history to the legend of Spider-Man. However, too much Arachne eliminates some crucial Spidey story, particularly the relationship with Uncle Ben and Peter Parker. Ben's death came with indifference, where it should come with sympathy and loss.

(2) Dialogue tweaking is hugely necessary. Often, predictable lines come off (obviously) cliched, even under the control of incredible actors (I saw Matthew James Thomas of the film Billy Elliot as Peter ; Jennifer Damiano, my personal favorite of the Spidey-cast, Tony-nominee of Next to Normal as Mary Jane; and T.V. Carpio of the film Across the Universe as Arachne). Cringe-worthy, yet completely fixable in six weeks.

(3) Clarity. There were moments where actions had no cause, where songs had no segue. The art of the musical is great - I'm not talking as some meat-headed high school jock who doesn't get what a painting means - I'm talking about real blurriness. True confusion. For example, the army scene with Dr. Osbourne... I still haven't a clue what it was about or why it happened.

(4) The truth is, the show is an incredible feat and I can't wait to see it after it opens. Yet, while it achieves so much in spectacle - and I mean probably more than any Broadway show EVER - it lacks in dialgoue, character, and plot. Aristotle said drama - good drama - needs all six elements: Plot, Character, Dialogue, Theme, Spectacle, and Music. Julie, Bono, The Edge and the rest of the cast and crew have blasted through the roof in three of the six (Theme, Spectacle, Music), but the first three (I daresay, the most important) need to make the goosebumps crawl like they do when Spider-Man and Green Goblin fight through mid-air, or when Peter and Mary Jane sing simultaneously against the backdrops of their houses, or when Arachne weaves her web in the show's prologue, or when Peter Parker - clothed in a Spidey jacket - swings in a finale full of realization. I want to feel for the characters more, I want to hear spine-chilling words in those emotional moments, I want action that leads to action, I want more heart.

I apologize if this appears more like a review, but I fully intend to review the show when it opens (or when I see it after it opens).