From the moment I saw the first advertisement about “Batman Live” in mid-2011, I knew I wanted to see it. I kept waiting and hoping the show would make it to the United States. When it was announced a few months back that it was finally making its way over here, I immediately jumped on the opportunity to attend. My whole family loves Batman and I knew it would be an unforgettable experience to see a live stage presentation centering on the iconic DC Comics character.
I know what you’re thinking right away. “A live stage performance about Batman? This sounds like an awful idea in the vein of ‘Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark!'” You’d be very wrong in thinking so. I was a bit worried going into it that it could very easily not work – especially if there were musical numbers with the Dark Knight, Robin, or any of the super villains breaking into song. Thankfully, there isn’t any of that to be heard in “Batman Live.”
“Batman Live” is like watching a movie being shot in front of you. There are moments spotlighting acrobats and other talented circus-type performances, but they’re mixed into the rest of the action. There’s also some dance and fight choreography, but it doesn’t come across as campy.
A giant Bat-shaped video screen is utilized for the settings of everything from Wayne Manor to the Batcave and Arkham Asylum. It shows images of comic book scenes to fill in certain parts in between the live-action. There’s even an animated sequence where the Batmobile drives through Gotham City like it’s on an obstacle course. It made me feel like I was on one of those 3D rides at Six Flags.
Physical props used include buildings, trapeze, a gated elevator, and the Batmobile. I can’t even begin to describe to you how cool the Batmobile was with all its flashing lights, smoking parts, and fireworks used for guns. There were also gun cannons that shot confetti out on the crowd at one point.
All the main villains are included in the story. Anyone who loves the Joker, the Penguin, Catwoman, Two-Face, Poison Ivy, the Riddler, or Scarecrow will walk away from the show happy. Each one of them gets their own moment in the limelight. Every actor pours themselves into their parts and becomes the character they portray.
The visual look of “Batman Live” borrows heavily from Joel Schumacher’s “Batman Forever.” Most people didn’t have a problem with the splashes of bright color for the villains in contrast with the darkness of the Caped Crusader in that movie. Just like that, this is flashy when it comes to the villains but leaves the Dark Knight in the shadows where he belongs. The complaining began when Schumacher took it to another level by adding nipples to the costumes and had characters breaking through holes in walls shaped like the Bat signal or the Robin / Nightwing symbol. There’s none of that here.
The musical score for “Batman Live” is an excellent mix of what we’ve heard in the different movies. There’s a little bit of “Batman Returns,” “Batman Forever,” and even Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” trilogy to be found in James Seymour Brett’s compositions. The soundtrack really adds to the viewing experience.
Having just found out that the Dallas, TX shows will be the last of the North American tour, I feel very fortunate that my family and I had a chance to see “Batman Live.” The fight sequences were a little off in spots, but that’s my only complaint. If you get a chance to see this excellent event definitely do so.
For more articles by Eric Shirey, check out:
Penguin: Pain and Prejudice” Graphic Novel Review
Batman: Arkham City” Graphic Novel Review
“Batman: The Dark Knight Volume 1 – Knight Terrors” Graphic Novel Review
