The West Coast premiere produced by Theatre Unleashed is enjoying sold-out performances for good reason so long as you go in with the same expectations you would flying on Jet Blue. This is ‘economy theater’ at best, something for the rest of us 99-ers, but at worst, the show plays it safe without really taking a superhero stab at its extravagantly trumped up predecessor.

Where it does succeed is in its lively, tongue-in-cheek enthusiasm from a merry cast that never bores in its succinct 80 minutes. The lack of budget provides the majority of the laughs, however, which is after all the premise, but further development could’ve seen a greater payoff. Still, seeing Spidey pose from cardboard-sketched buildings is inherently amusing as well as seeing him in a too-tight unitard with a suspiciously looking red pantyhose over his face.

But less isn’t always more and this show frustrates because of its untapped potential. If you’re going to do a no-budget mockup then why not go whole hog instead of doing a straight retelling. The lyrics are mildly chuckle-worthy ending with the entendre finale refrain, “I want Spider-Man inside of me,” but most of the musical numbers are just germane to the storyline and not particularly memorable at all. Opportunities to push the concept forward are simply missed.

David Chrzanowski’s direction treats this parody with too much gravitas than is necessary. One gets the feeling that this really is just a poor man’s Spider-Man with a cast of committed, but slightly self-conscious actors, some of them looking as though they got caught playing dress-up in the backyard. The restraint slackens during Peter Parker’s (Ryan J. Hill) transformative solo and when he does battle between study breaks at Chipotle with his ladylove, Gwen Stacy (Krista Taylor) -- the “Chipotle” number being one of the funniest, but everything seems rushed. One gets the vague impression that the producers are renting the theater space by the hour.

Kyle Cooper as Flash shows his improvisational chops especially as a gimpy doctor in a show-stealing scene of physical comedy. Justin Baker as TV reporter Kent Hollbrook convinces in a jaunty but overplayed tune and Gregory Crafts as Dr. Spiderman is terrifically wacky. Lauren Turner gives “girl Friday” Betty Brant an outrageously desperate bid for Spidey’s attentions. Hill looks the part, especially as an awkward teenager, but rarely finds much humor to his hero role.

A couple of slightly gratuitous adult situations, mainly between Uncle Ben, (sweetly played by Darren T. Mangler) and Peter Parker makes what would otherwise be a kid-friendly show somewhat dubious. It is for the most part, family oriented and teenagers and fans of the comic book will get a big kick out of it.

This shoestring Spidey may not be super, but it is super silly and at least no one was sued.

“The Spidey Project”
Runs through April 14
Thurs, Fri & Sat at 8pm
Studio Stage
520 N. Western Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90004
Tickets: $20 at door; $16 online
*Reservations are strongly recommended.
PH: 818-849-4039
www.theatreunleashed.com


--M.R. Hunter (eyespylareviews[at]gmail.com)

For more on theatre, or to read our latest reviews visit our ON STAGE IN LA page. To find local listings of theatres in your area please see our THEATRE or general ENTERTAINMENT page.