In February 2011, after months of technical delays, injuries and budget inflation to over $65 million, the now infamous Broadway production of SPIDER-MAN TURN OFF THE DARK had caught the attention of comedian/writer, Justin Moran. On February 11th, 2014, he sent out a soon-to-be-viral video entitled "Spiderman Smackdown", in which he challenged the New York theatre community to attempt to write, p
roduce and open a Spider-Man musical in just 30 days with a budget of $0. An insane month later, and THE SPIDEY PROJECT made history on March 14th, 2011, when it became the first Spider-Man musical to officially open in New York City. The piece is a one-act, unauthorized sketch comedy musical spoof of the classic story, which features a book and lyrics by Justin Moran and Jonathan Roufaeal, and a score by Doug Katsaros and NCUHS alum Adam Podd. Following two regional productions, and with a national tour in the works, THE SPIDEY PROJECT is continuing to grow in popularity. This spring, the show will make both its New England and high-school production debut when it opens at NCUHS on May 16th, 2014. In the spirit of the original production, the performance will be a one-night-only event as the culmination of a 30 day workshop rehearsal process. On top of last semester's fall musical, and the mainstage play, Almost, Maine, this April, students will now be able to participate in a musical theatre intensive with focus on ensemble theatre and performance. Led by industry professionals, the cast will work together to bring an exciting new staging concept to this unique piece which already has numerous roots here in the NEK. Though the actual performance of THE SPIDEY PROJECT will commence at 8:00pm, there will be a host of pre-show entertainment beginning when the doors open at 7:00pm. Everyone is invited to dress up and walk the red carpet, which will be complete with live interviews of local celebrities, paparazzi, and fashion commentary from our very own “Joan Rivers.” A short documentary, created by students from Video Production, will be featured before the show, recounting the history of the musicalizing of SPIDEY, and of the process of our own production. A sold-out performance is expected, and audience members are encouraged to begin arriving as early as 6:30pm to ensure the best seats and the best assortment of pre-show fun.
