It’s a Bird… It’s a Plane… It’s Superman – Ye Olde Rose and Crown Theatre

Craig Berry and Michelle LaFortune in It’s a Bird… It’s a Plane… It’s Superman at Ye Olde Rose and Crown Theatre, London

It’s a Bird… It’s a Plane… It’s Superman continues at the Ye Olde Rose and Crown Theatre, Walthamstow, London until 22 March.

Long before superheroes were the source of blockbuster movies and 35 years before the mega-musical Spider-Man Turn Off the Dark landed on Broadway, It’s a Bird… It’s a Plane… It’s Superman opened on Broadway in 1966. Based on the famous comic strip, it tells the story of the superhero’s efforts to defeat the vengeful Dr Abner Sedgwick, ten-time Nobel Prize losing scientist brilliantly played by Matthew Ibbotson, who plans to destroy the world. The plot’s obligatory romantic conflict involves Max Mencken (Paul Harwood), a columnist eager to reveal Superman’s true identity out of jealousy over Lois Lane’s attraction to him.

But the plot is not the main attraction here. Aside from the top-notch cast, headed by Craig Berry as the man of steel and his alter ego Clark Kent (together with Michelle LaFortune’s Lois Lane), the real star of the show is Charles Strouse and Lee Adams’ delightful score. Strouse, like Cy Coleman, despite (or because of) their versatility, are still overlooked among Broadway giants. I hope they will one day be recognised, along with Sondheim and Kander & Ebb, as the true geniuses they are.

Though not as well know as his score for Annie nor as theatrical as Applause (which should really be done on the Fringe some day), Superman’s score boasts quite a few hummable ballads, such as ‘What I Always Wanted’, vaudeville numbers like ‘You”ve Got What I Need’, and some rousing ensemble songs.

The lack of special effects is an asset here. A Superman prop flying above the stage is hilarious every time it appears and the staging by Randy Smartnick is always clever. Kate McPhee’s brilliant choreography perfectly highlights the evening’s mood and atmosphere, hinting sometimes at Fosse and other choreographers of the 1950s. Aaron Clingham’s musical direction is, as always, impeccable.

It’s A Bird… It’s A Plane… It’s Superman is indeed the ideal choice for the camp treatment which seems to be one of the trademarks of All Star Productions. This may be the most enjoyable piece I’ve seen at the Ye Olde Rose and Crown Theatre since Little Me last summer. Next on the agenda is How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. What a joy, well done to the company for never choosing overly-revived musicals.

Patrick Honoré

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