The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has been a cinematic staple for over a decade now.
Converting fans of all ages to the comic book world of goodness, the franchise has expanded to television, video games, and even arena shows, displaying our favourite superheroes up close and personal to fans of all ages and much delight. However, colour me shocked, I realise that I’ve never seen a Marvel parody show, let alone one that’s adults only, and the concept is genius.
MARVELous The Show: The Adults-Only Massive Marvel Parody is brainchild of co-creator, superfan and clever man Samwise Holmes, who also doubles as Deadpool in this marvellous (pun intended) production. The show is a high-octane, cheeky and loving tribute to our favourite Marvel superheroes.
As soon as I stepped into The National Theatre and saw a projection of the MARVELous logo flash and intentionally glitch on stage, all while 90s and 2000s songs played, I just knew that I’d be in for a good time.
Soon, the show logo transformed into a very similar production introduction playout with fanfare, much like the films, but starring the show’s cast as their superhero counterparts instead. I hadn’t even seen anyone step on stage yet and I was already impressed! The audio of the familiar superhero musical score had also been changed, smartly mashed up with Ginuwine’s ‘Pony’, and not at all subtly hinting what we were about to witness. Once the set was revealed, you even felt like you were in a comic book story.
It helps if you know your pop culture as there are multiple references to film and theatre throughout the show, and all have been masterfully married with the superheroes and their lore that we know and love. However, it pays to be a fan, as everything that occurs with these characters and their risqué performances never actually feel out of character. If anything, everything is enhanced tenfold with a touch of a naughty and playful humour that Disney probably wouldn’t approve of, for the sake of the kids.
Filled with circus, burlesque, singing, dancing, comedy and a few magic tricks, MARVELous The Show would be best described as a sexy superhero extravaganza.
Starring in multiple roles, the talented Melbourne season cast consists of Andrew Waldin, Emma Wong, Jacob McPherson, Andrea Zappacosta, Kaylee Kingi, Liberty Thirsk, Lulani Rawson, Megan Wonfor, Michael Boyle, Thomas Remaili, Sarah Jane Kelly, Justin Wise, and Samwise Holmes.
From story time with our MC Deadpool, Captain America beating the shit out of modern politics while giving audiences a true glimpse of ‘America’s Ass’, a Magic Mike inspired Tony Stark scene making the ‘Mark I’ Iron Man suit while showcasing smooth dance moves to Ginuwine’s ‘Pony’ (my favourite performance), Loki and Thor giving a hilariously fitting rendition of ‘Defying Gravity’ in perfect Wicked replica theatrical lighting (I’m a massive Wicked fan and this was fantastic), Dr. Strange showing us magic while belting out ‘The Greatest Show’ from Hugh Jackman’s The Greatest Showman, fat phat Thor giving us his best Flashdance moves, to Bucky and Cap showing us iconic Dirty Dancing inspired moments.
There’s even a performance where almost every Spiderman in the universe (within the cast numbers allowed) dances to Backstreet Boys’ ‘Backstreet’s Back’ where patrons (including myself) chuckled to the lyrics, “Am I original? Yeahhh!” (Me: Nooo-oh). Nothing was off the table and it was all glorious. There’s even a fun Wheel of Fortune style interlude that would make Ryan Reynolds beam with pride. MARVELous The Show would leave Chris Evans in a laughing fit, have Chris Hemsworth’s sides splitting, and make Robert Downey Jr.’s heart sing.
Although some superhero characters in the expansive Marvel franchise unfortunately don’t get the MARVELous The Show treatment (where is Wolverine), it’s only an excuse for this bloody brilliant production to come back with a sequel. I, for one, would see this production again, or any superhero spin-off from it, in a heartbeat.
This is the perfect show. The entire Melbourne audience on the night I attended were laughing prolifically throughout, but I could barely hear them over my own loud cackles.
Whether you’re a casual Marvel fan or a hardcore one, like me, that can understand even the deep seeded meta jokes, like the combination between Hawkeye, Deadpool and a tractor, MARVELous is a cosplayer’s wet dream. You can hear, see and feel the amount of knowledge, research, care and love that went into this, all with a playful yet heartfelt respect to the original source. Stan Lee would have loved this. Heck, I love this.
The Melbourne season of MARVELous The Show took place at The National Theatre in St Kilda from Wednesday November 6th to Sunday November 10th, 2024. Sadly, I caught one of the final performances of the Melbourne season and it has since concluded. However, one can only hope that this fun, epic production returns to Melbourne again soon.
In the meantime, for more information and future ticketing for MARVELous The Show, visit:
https://marveloustheshow.com.au
https://www.instagram.com/marveloustheshow
Photography by Ben Dingley.
