“Since the dawn of all time there have been those who are extraordinary. Some are called heroes, motivated by the desire to help the weak and so-called innocent…”
“Is there a place more loathsome than this?” spats Loki, who despises his brother Thor’s affinity for planet Earth.
In the world of comic books you suspend disbelief, by the very nature of the stories they tell. Good versus evil is magnified and morphed, and characters have exaggerated features, and enhanced worlds. Marvel Universe Live! is an arena spectacle that takes those tenants of good comic book reading into LIVE audience viewing, where suspended, and otherwise empowered, superheroes will amaze.
With Feld Entertainment (of world-renowned Ringling fame) behind the production, it’s no wonder there is so much spectacle and showmanship from motorsports and pyrotechnics, to high-flying circus-worthy aerial stunts in the show. Skateboards, martial arts, even a character engulfed in fire, are part of this Universe.
“It’s the first time that any production has so seamlessly integrated story with live action movie-style stunts,” says Juliette Feld, Executive vice president, Feld Entertainment.
J. Vaught, vice president of Feld’s ice and stage productions, created the gigantic movie backdrop screen that digitally transforms the scene from Tony Stark’s laboratory, to Loki’s base in the Himalayas, to the top of the Statue of Liberty using projection-mapping technology. This movie magic makes Iron Man’s suit “fly” onto his body and comic book pages jump to life (among other things!).
The story begins with the Cosmic Cube being destroyed by Thor’s hammer. The thought is that since it’s the deadliest weapon known, it should be kept out of the wrong hands, namely Thor’s evil brother Loki. Bad news, though, Loki figures out a way to harness the Cube’s energy by siphoning mutant energy, even if he doesn’t possess all the pieces. More bad news: Other bad guys also have fragments of the Cosmic Cube, and aren’t afraid to use them. In true comic book fashion, though, the superheroes must band together to foil their foes, strengthen their power, and save their comrades, and (spoiler alert) save the world.
Audience members will (forgive the pun) marvel at their favorite superheroes come to life, including Iron Man, Spider-Man and The Hulk, as well as those pesky villains Loki, Red Skull, Aldrich Killian and Green Goblin to name but a few. They’ll likewise be amazed to see Captain America and Black Widow duke it out motorcycle stunt-style with Red Skull, through ramps, flaming barrels, and at one point driving almost straight up a wall. (Remember Feld Entertainment also created the motorcycle stunt spectacular, Nuclear Cowboyz!) Hooray, in my humble opinion, that Avenger Carol Danvers as Captain Marvel is part of this universe, since it’s agreed that super heroines should get more top billing!
Purists may balk at the cross-franchise, hypothetical mixing of characters that cross the gamut of storylines and comic book pages, but Marvel Universe Live! doesn’t try to be a copy of what’s been done. The goal is to break the mold, and put aside preconceived notions for an arena-based show. Their talented stunt men and women, over-the-top production value, larger-than-life costuming, and just plain ol’ fun, deliver almost two hours of feasting for all the senses. Though the show is geared for the elementary to teen demographic, there’s enough humor, excitement, and wow to be had for all members of the family who come to witness Marvel Universe Live!
Note: Bring your purse (or your child’s piggy bank contents!) for the obligatory souvenir. Merchandise abounds, including Lectro Links wristbands that “help” Iron Man power his suit. (They can be purchased when buying tickets, or on site.) T-shirts, stuffed superheroes, die cast models, and more are available for purchase.
The tour will visit Nashville, TN, Atlanta, GA, Duluth, GA to round out 2014. To discover more about Marvel Universe LIVE! and to buy tickets, go to http://www.marveluniverselive.com, or visit them on Facebook, Twitter @MarvelOnTour or @JulietteFeld , YouTube, Instagram, and Google+.
Disclosure: SeaWorldMommy.com was provided 4 tickets to Marvel Universe LIVE! in exchange for this honest review.
SeaWorld Mommy 