If you've ever wondered what would happen if the Avengers traded their world-saving duties for a career in adult entertainment, Marvelous: The Show answers that question with spectacular flair and shameless abandon.
Created by self-professed Marvel enthusiast Samwise Holmes, this adults-only extravaganza reimagines our beloved superheroes in scenarios that would make Nick Fury blush. From the moment the curtain rises, the show launches into hyperspace and barely allows you to catch your breath until intermission.
The production values are genuinely impressive. Massive sets, concert-worthy lighting effects, and intricate costumes (that often find creative ways to disassemble) create a visual feast that rivals the blockbuster budgets of their cinematic counterparts—albeit with decidedly different objectives.
While Marvel aficionados will appreciate the obvious references and pointed jabs at the franchise's quirks, even those unfamiliar with the difference between Thanos and Thor will find plenty to enjoy. The cast's formidable singing, dancing, and acrobatic talents transcend the parody aspects, delivering legitimate entertainment value regardless of your superhero knowledge. The combination of varied theatrical disciplines employed in this one production is noteworthy alone.
Speaking of Thor, the God of Thunder appears to have maintained his Endgame physique, but lost none of his agility. His aerial pole dance routine, shamelessly borrowed from Flashdance, proves to be a counter-intuitive highlight that brings the house down. The prosthetic work here deserves special mention, lending authentic wobble to every gravity-defying move.
Not at all outdone, Dr. Strange conjures a parody of The Greatest Showman that's nothing short of magical, incorporating actual 'illusions' into his introduction that leave audiences genuinely surprised between fits of laughter.
The show cleverly pillages popular musicals, with nods to everything from Hamilton to Wicked, while also taking delicious potshots at Disney+ and the Fox merger. It's cheeky corporate satire wrapped in sparkles and spandex.
A word of caution: this is unequivocally adult entertainment. The language would make Deadpool proud, the nudity is frequent, and innuendo flows as freely as Thor's Asgardian mead. Yet beneath the raunch lies superb wit and theatrical craftsmanship.
Marvelous represents the culmination of a multi-year journey for Action Reaction Entertainment. Originally conceived in 2019, the earlier iterations of the production fell victim to pandemic delays before finally reaching the stage. That extended development period appears to have been time well spent, resulting in this tightly choreographed and polished season.
By the show's conclusion, you'll never look at the Marvel Universe quite the same way again. Whether that's a blessing or a curse depends entirely on your sensibilities, but one thing remains certain: Marvelous delivers exactly what it promises—a risqué, ridiculous, and remarkably entertaining evening that proves even superheroes need to let loose occasionally.
Be quick. Marvelous: The Show plays at The Riverside Theatre in Parramatta through until 22 March 2025. Melbourne from 10 April.
Bookings and cast & crew info: https://marveloustheshow.com.au/
(Images: Ben Dingley)
Saw Marvelous The Musical on Friday night at Riverside Theatre. It is so entertaining, so much fun, interactive & we loved it! Audio wasn’t the greatest. Hopefully they’ll fix that for the rest of the shows but it didn’t take too much away from how clever the performance is & how talented the performers were. I highly recommend seeing it!
ReplyDeleteWas that a 'preview' performance? They are important not to judge, as usually they are that one final step between a Dress Rehearsal and Opening Night
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