Image Credit: Paul KolnikThe big stage news of the week was the continuing problems with the upcoming Spider-Man musical, which faced both a safety inspection from New York state offiicals and a delayed start of public performances. When will Broadway’s most expensive musical ever catch a break? Stage-wise here on EW.com, we spoke with Time Stands Still star and standout Christina Ricci about the show, her debut on Broadway. And, of course, we reviewed the newest shows to open, which this week included the disappointing musical adaptation of Pedro Almodóvar’s Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, as well as dramatic political play In the Wake and Off Broadway-to-Broadway transfer of The Scottsboro Boys. Here are the highlights:
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown: EW stage editor Thom Geier found this new musical, which is based off Pedro Almodóvar’s 1988 film farce, disappointing to the effect of giving it a D+: “Seldom has such a strong cast”—which includes Sherie Rene Scott, Laura Benanti, Justin Guarini, and Patti LuPone—”been used to such poor effect,” he wrote in his review. “By the final curtain, you may wish that they had served some tranquilizer-laced gazpacho at intermission.” (Opened 11/4)
In the Wake: Reviewer Melissa Rose Bernardo wasn’t exactly enamored with the dramatic play, which centers around the Florida recount catastrophe in the 2000 Presidential election. Bernardo gave the show a C+ and said: “Ultimately, what Kron has created are two separate plays. And she hasn’t really finished either one—let alone integrated them together.” (Opened 11/1)
The Scottsboro Boys: Geier loved this Off Broadway-to-Broadway transfer, giving it a straight-up A and proclaiming, “The Scottsboro Boys challenges us even as it moves us to tears.” (Opened 10/31)
Tanner on Twitter: @EWTanStransky
More Stage coverage from EW.com:
Broadway’s ‘Spider-Man’ musical delays opening until Jan. 11, 2011
‘Spider-Man’ musical faces safety inspection
Kiefer Sutherland and Jason Patric coming to Broadway
Young Broadway star Shannon Tavarez dies
Christina Ricci chats with EW about her Broadway debut in ‘Time Stands Still’
Aaron Sorkin writing Hugh Jackman’s Houdini musical: Composer Danny Elfman has ‘high hopes’
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