In March of this year, the students and faculty members of North Bergen High School changed the small-stage theater game forever when their version of Ridley Scott's ALIEN was celebrated by the director himself. After basking in the brilliance of the North Bergen performance, Scott went so far as to kick the Drama Club some money, hoping that his donation would help keep the program running for years to come. Truth be told, it was a milestone moment for North Bergen, and an event that has lead to other Drama Clubs throughout the world re-thinking their approach to performing material outside of the norm.
Today, it's been reported that Marvel is teaming up with Samuel French to produce a collection of three different one-act stage plays featuring the Marvel comics characters of Thor, Loki, Squirrel Girl and Ms. Marvel.
Each play has been written specifically for high school crowds and can be purchased, licensed, and staged for just $75 per performance or $125 for two presentations of more. With regard to pricing, it's important to remember that performances are typically held in auditoriums that can sometimes accommodate hundreds of audience members. Couple that fact with reasonable ticket prices to Marvel-centric events and you've potentially got a bonafide money-making formula for your extra-curricular budget.
“Over the last 80 years, the Marvel Universe has grown to inspire billions across the globe by telling relatable, personal stories reflecting the world outside our window,” Stephen Wacker, vice president of creative and content development at Marvel Entertainment said in a statement. “With these amazing plays and this uncanny group of talented playwrights, we hope to give the next generation of Marvel fans a chance to bring those stories to life and explore what it means to be a Super Hero right in their own backyard.”
“As a life-long comics fan and theatre maker, in the spirit of Marvel Team-Up, it’s a dream come true for Samuel French/Concord Theatricals to partner with Marvel and bring these accessible, affordable plays to young adults across America,” Sean Patrick Flahaven, president of Concord Theatricals said in a statement. “We hope this will encourage students across the country to embrace their own traits and abilities.”
You can read a brief overview of the three plays being made available to high schools below:
“Mirror of Most Value: A Ms. Marvel Play” is written by Masi Asare, in which Kamala Kahn has to accept herself just as she is–imperfections and all — if she is to become the hero of her dreams. “Squirrel Girl Goes to College: A Squirrel Girl Play” is written by Karen Zacarías, which follows Doreen Green as she attempts to reinvent herself and make “normal” human friends at a new school. And finally, “Hammered: A Thor & Loki Play” is written by Christian Borle, in which teenage Thor and Loki compete for the favor of their parents through Asgardian rites of passage. (via The Wrap)
It's been a long time since I've graced my high school stage as a performer in "Free to Be, You and Me," but I would imagine that students will be thrilled at the thought of becoming some of their favorite Marvel characters while earning credits toward graduation. With any luck, this new initiative will bring powerhouse performances and much-needed dollars to the high school stage, as who doesn't like the idea of going on a Marvel-inspired adventure right in their own backyard?