Videos from a Live Reading
The Comics Code is a new musical about a defining moment in the early career of Stan Lee and Marvel Comics. These videos feature moments from a concert reading of the play, held at Plummer Park, West Hollywood, CA.
We would like to thank the City of West Hollywood Arts Division for their support.
THE COMICS CODE - Full Abridged Reading
In this abridged reading, a selection of songs and scenes from the show take us through the creation of Spider Man, The Fantastic Four, and The Avengers, and particularly explores the role of women in the Marvel story.
The reading lasts approximately 45 minutes, and features Will Collyer, Kelly Dorney, Joe Hart, Benai Boyd, Sami Nye, Frankie Zabilka, and Chris Kerrigan. Book, music, and lyrics by Fletcher Crossman; directed by Richard Israel.
"SOMETHING MISSING"
Song from The Comics Code
Joan has rejected Stan Lee's advances over several months, but she finally gives in and agrees to go on a date. In this song, Joan wonders what is missing in her life and whether dating a comic book editor will provide the answers she is seeking.
Featuring Kelly Dorney as Joan.
"GO DOWN"
Song from The Comics Code
At the opening of the play, we meet Marvel Comics at their lowest point, creating sleazy "horror porn for twisted little boys". This small company in their basement office seems to be in their final days, but then a new editor walks through the door...
Featuring Benai Boyd, Sami Nye, Frankie Zabilka, and Chris Kerrigan.
"EXIT STAGE RIGHT"
Song from The Comics Code
Stan Lee seems to have the world at his feet, but then his girlfriend Joan drops a bombshell: she is leaving him. As a storyteller himself, Stan addresses the great storyteller in the sky, and critiques the bad plot-line that led to his broken heart.
Featuring Will Collyer as Stan Lee.
"THE FANTASTIC FOUR"
Song from The Comics Code
Facing their final print run, the Marvel team reflect on the story they never wrote - a story where the superheroes acted like real people, with real emotions. The idea evolves from a married couple, to three superheroes, and finally four...
Featuring Will Collyer, Benai Boyd, Chris Kerrigan, Sami Nye, and Frankie Zabilka.
"THE COMICS CODE"
Song from The Comics Code
After being issued a stern warning that the Marvel team must abide by the Comics Code, Stan Lee asks what exactly the Code says. In response Judge Murphy gives an overview of the strict - and slightly bizarre - set of rules that dictated the content of comics.
Featuring Joe Hart as Judge Murphy.
"MR SPIDER MAN"
Song from The Comics Code
The Marvel Team are beginning to trust the instincts of their editor, Stan Lee, but when he proposes a new character based on a spider - a kid who just wants to be rich and famous - they fear that they are headed for disaster. So they threw in a few ideas that were to change the course of Marvel Comics forever...
Featuring Will Collyer, Benai Boyd, Chris Kerrigan, Sami Nye, Kelly Dorney, and Frankie Zabilka.
"A BROKEN CREW"
Song from The Comics Code
Judge Murphy is defeated; Stan Lee and Marvel are triumphant. But Stan chooses this moment to bring Judge Murphy into the story-writing process, recognizing that even an old lawyer has wisdom that should be heard. And as Stan talks through his new idea - The Avengers - we start to realize that these characters closely resemble the assembled team...
Featuring Will Collyer, Kelly Dorney, Joe Hart, Benai Boyd, Sami Nye, Frankie Zabilka, and Chris Kerrigan.
