英語學習點: Musical Theatre 音樂舞臺劇

Showbiz is a tough world – even if you are a superhero.

A stage musical about Spider-Man has finally opened on Broadway to mixed reviews.

Critics praised the cast but blasted other aspects of the production, which had been delayed six times because of technical problems and injuries.

The Hollywood Reporter's David Rooney summed up the mood when he called Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark a "clunky reworking".

Ben Brantley from the New York Times said that the show had gone "from jaw-dropping badness to mere mediocrity".

The score, by U2's Bono and the Edge, also got a panning. Entertainment Weekly said the show's numbers were "a mostly lacklustre collection of forgettable tunes".

Despite the poor reception, the musical might still be a hit. Tickets are selling out and lots of celebrities went to the opening night, including Bill Clinton, the rapper Jay-Z and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Over in the West End, another stage adaptation of a Hollywood movie has had a more positive reception. Shrek the Musical opened on Tuesday evening.

Writing in the Guardian, Michael Billington said the show was "genuinely theatrical," although he was disappointed with the score. He also praised the performances, in particular that of Nigel Harman, whom he said stole the show as the evil Farquaad.