SPIDER-MAN - Version 2.0 - Is Much Better!!

It is yet another gloomy/ugly morning in The Big Apple, just like yesterday, and, no, Billi Pod wasn’t able to do any long distance walking, dammit.

OK, my loyal and faithful readers let’s get right to it ...

Billi Pod’s report card on SPIDER-MAN: Turn Off The Dark - version 2.0==>MB<==yes, it goes from “bummer” as reported regarding version 1.0 to “ much better” for version 2.0.

Billi Pod was very pleasantly surprised with the reworked material. Some of the positive changes:

1. Elimination of the geek-chorus

2. Reduction of Arachine (aka Spider-Woman) from “costar” to a supporting role.

3. A coherent story line, even if you aren’t familiar with the Spider-Man franchise.

4. More focus on Peter Parker’s troubles in accepting his fate as a crime-fighting superstar.

5. More face time between Peter and Mary Jane.

6. More stage time for The Green Goblin.

7. Vastly improved musical score.

8. A climatic ending.

The ambitious flying sequences were performed without a glitch and their number seemed to have been reduced. Still, they are extremely impressive and add to the story, rather than being a distraction.

Basically, Billi Pod was surprised with the new show and found it to be very entertaining as did the people seated around him in the rear orchestra.

Will the theater critics like the new version? Some will and some won’t.

Will the so called “theater affectionados” like it? No f**king way. They are still mired in endless discussions like, whether it is a musical or a play-with-music. Get a life.

Will it have a decent run despite the neigh-sayers and vocal critics? Yes, it will because it has become an enjoyable family-orientated entertainment event.

Is it worth seeing, you are no doubt breathlessly asking? Yes, so long as you understand that it ain’t “Sweeney Todd,” “Les Miz,” or “South Pacific” etc etc etc.

And there you have it folks ... you are welcum ... but remember ... I only report ... you decide.

Last night the Yankees finally, and I mean finally, got some crucial hits, beating the Orioles in the 15th inning, 4-1, after Mo blows a save in the 9th. Hey, a win is a win ... right ...

Tonight’s entertainment event is ...

8:00==>DESPERATE WRITERS - “With the baby clock ticking and their home about to be sold out from under them, Ashley and David are driven to desperate measures to get their script sold in cutthroat Hollywood.” (Off-Broadway - complimentary ticket).

It has lightened up and not raining, so Billi Pod will post this and then do some walking ... later ...

GO YANKEES AND GO GATORS!!

Billi Pod

“Don’t pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he’ll just kill you.”