Comic News And Reviews

The curious Batman Live project, a touring, non-musical big budget stage production of the Dark Knight in action, became more compelling this week with the confirmation that superstar DC Comics writer Geoff Johns will be scripting the show.

UPDATE: It was reported in the UK press that Johns, who is also the Chief Creative Officer for DC Entertainment, would be writing the script for Batman Live. We've been told that is not the case. However, Johns did tell the Newcastle Evening Chronicle that the plot of Batman Live will focus on Robin and his evolution from orphaned circus performer to the sidekick of Gotham City's legendary Dark Knight. In this way, Johns said, the show is "more about Bruce Wayne and Batman than almost any story."

"We want to bring out a whole other level to Batman by looking at Robin's journey from a circus performer to an orphan after his parents are killed, to a superhero," Johns tells the Newcastle Evening Chronicle. "Batman lost his parents, but he can cope with his pain and owns it. Then he sees this boy and it reopens all those wounds. Robin's journey very much brings up Bruce Wayne's journey. [...] I think very much that Robin brings out a whole new level to Batman. I actually think it is more about Bruce Wayne and Batman than almost any story."

Produced by DC Entertainment in coordination with Warner Bros. Consumer Products and Water Lane Productions, Batman Live will present the superhero's adventures with the help of 45 performers, a 100-foot stage and a massive 130-foot-wide video system. According to the Belfast Telegraph, locations will include the Batcave and Arkham Asylum, where the show opens with a breakout. Characters will include the aforementioned Dick Grayson, the Joker, Catwoman, the Penguin, Two-Face, Harley Quinn and the Riddler.

Tickets for 2011 performances in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland go on sale this Friday, November 12. Batman Live will come to North America in 2012.

[Via Robot 6]

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