Fans of Marvel comic books will have the chance to see their favourite characters in action as part of a show debuting in Victoria next week.
Marvel Universe LIVE! Is a live-action show that includes more than 25 Marvel characters, including Spider-Man, Iron Man, Black Widow, the Hulk and Captain America, along with special effects, pyrotechnics, aerial stunts and martial arts.
“It's pretty much like going and seeing your favourite Marvel comic book coming to life in front of you,” said Sarah Whitmore, who plays the villainous Madame Hydra and is a stunt motorcyclist with the show.
But it is not to be confused as a remake of the Avengers films.
The story involves a the Cosmic Cube, the source of ultimate power and one of the most feared and coveted treasures in Marvel Universe, that has been shattered into pieces by Thor to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. Thor's evil brother Loki devises a plan to clone its powers, calling on the superheroes to join forces to save the day.
“It's got an entirely unique and epic plot of its own,” said Phil Smage, who plays Captain America. “It grabs something from each of the movies and brings it so there are some familiarities for the crowd, but it's its own new Avengers.”
One of the main scenes is an eight-minute chase and fight scene with 10 motorcycle riders, including Smage and Whitmore who are engaged in real life.
“On the stage, we are arch enemies. She leads the evil Hydra army and myself as Captain America,” said Smage, noting that it is the most intense scene to perform. “We're using our bikes to knock down bad guys and to run over crazy obstacles. There is one scene where [Sarah and I] meet and she tries to whip me off my bike.
“It's pretty much on the edge of chaos. It takes a lot of concentration and focus during that scene because there's so many moving pieces.”
The show is making its Canadian debut in Victoria from June 11-14 at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre followed by shows in Vancouver.
Tickets range from $30, $45, $75 (VIP) and $115 for the front row seats. For tickets, call 250-220-7777 or selectyourtickets.com.