It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's Superman

It’s an odd bird, an old-school plane with a propeller, this musical Superman. Displaying Krypton-forged bravery, artistic director Osetek battled to bring this little-produced 1966 musical to a suburban dinner theater. To be sure, Drury Lane’s typical audience (the retiree set) was out in force for our Father’s Day matinee, and most seemed to enjoy the throwback quality of this soufflé-light show, which pits the Big Red S against a mad scientist and Soviet henchmen.

Osetek’s goal is to attract more families—and while this show’s not about to become another Wicked, the kids clearly have a good time. That’s a mite surprising, given that the dated references likely flew over their heads higher than actor Jim Rank, who spends a lot of time on wires. (Great Scott, he makes it look breezy!) At our performance, none of the kids in the audience compared Rank’s singing hero unfavorably to the more energetic TV or film versions. A nine-year-old boy was all grins after the finale—an impressive song-and-dance fight scene, with acrobats flying everywhere—and three girls gave it thumbs-up.

Adults might not be quite as charmed. Benton is an Oscar-winning writer-director, but his silly script has too many romantic-comedy feints and not enough villainous threats. Strouse should’ve cut some ballads, though happily, his ensemble numbers take off (ably aided by Osetek’s staging, zippy choreography and colorful costumes). All ages will love the delightful Holly Stauder, playing put-upon secretary Sydney (think Valerie Perrine or Parker Posey from the Superman films). She amply delivers on the show’s comedic “Possibilities” she sings of. The rest of us grown-ups can only wish everything else was that good.—Web Behrens

For showtimes, see Theater.