TRACK #2 - News Opening/Peter Who?
(KENT HOLBROOK, the fear mongering reporter, is getting ready to broadcast the local Channel One News, he is warming up in his dressing room as assistants are buzzing by.)
KENT. Emmy, emmy, emmy, emmy, believe in yourself!
ASSISTANT. Not, till you're national Kent!
KENT. Emmy, emmy, emmy, emmy, you can do this Kent!
CAMERA MAN. You're on in three-two-
KENT. My name is Kent Holbrook
From Local Channel One
Panic strikes our borough
And we all feel the sting
Everybody's kids are wrapped with fear
My name is Kent Holbrook, from Local Channel One
And college application time is here
So stop your teens from smoking
Their flagrant drug abuse
For temptation's on the loose.
(Forest Hill High School, the students are all a little crazy this time of year. Halls are crowded with people scribbling in notebooks and reviewing notecards. KATIE and KAREN are trying to photograph MARVIN KEELY in the hallway for the Yearbook. Marvin is `the one' for this scene)
STUDENTS. Oh God! The mid-terms start tomorrow!
My parents call me a disgrace
They always look so disappointed
Someone somewhere punch me in the face!
KAREN. Smile for the yearbook. Real smile... is this how you want people to remember you Marvin Keely? As an ironic smiler? (Peter enters, clearly on his way somewhere) Peter! I need you to get a quote from Flash Thompson for the yearbook. You know, something great... or whatever... like whatever he normally says. (Peter is about to protest) No! No asking questions, just please, just do this! Marvin Keely I am NOT a patient woman!
STUDENTS. Oh God! The Mid-terms start tomorrow!
I'm I wanna rip my brain in half
GIRLS. I'd rather give a speech to congress
And wet myself while they all point and laugh
PETER. Flash, Peter Parker, I just need a quote for the yearbook.
FLASH. Who, Peter who?
Look nerd, I don't have time for you.
You want to talk to me?
Nice try but you're not that cool!
Who, Peter who?
There's other stuff I gotta do,
Like anything but sitting here and wasting time on you!
STUDENTS. Oh God! The mid-terms start tomorrow!
Oh god, I'm ripping out my hair
GUYS. I'd rather get my girlfriend pregnant.
SOME JERK. And push her down a flight of iron stairs!
KATIE. You! Peter, you!
We wanna choke you till you're blue
Peter, blue!
KAREN. Did you get that quote?
PETER. No.
KATIE. Great, what are we supposed to do?
You! Peter, you!
Now Gwen Stacey is in the queue
KAREN. Last chance, Peter!
KATIE. So grow a pair and get that quote, or don't come back
Your yearbook job is through!
PETER. It happens just like that
Every time I try to have my say
They tear me down and lock me out and push me right away.
It's always just like that
And it's been since Freshman year
God what am I doing, what am I doing, God, what am I doing here!?
STUDENTS. Oh God the mid-terms start tomorrow!
I'm freakin out, I've lost my mind!
I'll get some aderol for next year
Cause ADD plus pressure times my parents equals me nailed from behind!
Oh God!
TRACK #3 - Chipotle
(Peter, Gwen and Flash are at the subway station stairs. There is a MAN sitting on a bench reading a newspaper detached from the action, he is `the one' for this scene.)
FLASH. The tables for two. It's a pretty exclusive Chipotle.
FLASH (Sings). There's a table at Chipotle
Waiting just for you and me
By the salsa bar, the salsa bar!
Where we both can study chemistry
I'll lean over, as we study
Moving closer with my hips
And I'll kiss you there, I won't miss you there
As I take your face and press it to my lips.
FLASH. At Chipotle!
(A Chorus of backup dancers salsa on, holding Chipotle bags filled with tortilla chips which they use as maracas. They accentuate the romance in Flash's head)
CHORUS. Chipotle!
FLASH. I study in Chipotle
CHORUS. Chipotle
FLASH. At Chipotle!
CHORUS. Chipotle
FLASH. I really study at Chipotle
ALL. Chi-pot-le!
PETER. The mid-term is intense this year,
It's just five days away.
GWEN. It couldn't hurt, to have his help
Flash, what do you say?
FLASH. Peter, can I talk to you over here for a second?
(He takes Peter off to the side, away from Gwen. As Flash sings his temper escalates.)
I am Flash
And you're a nerd
Let me help you find a cab.
So go back home
And take your books
Over to your science lab
And if you try to stick your nose
Where I think it don't belong
It might break beneath my fist
Cause I'm def'nitly that strong
PETER. Gwen I think-
FLASH. Don't ignore me
Don't you start
Cause I'll finish this tonight
Hold my shirt
I've got this guy
Hope you're ready for a fight
GWEN. Flash, no!
FLASH. Can't you hear him beggin' me
To erase his puny face
GWEN. Peter, go.
PETER. I'm goin...
FLASH. Not so fast!
My knuckles itch!
(As the song escalates, and Flash is going to fight Peter; Gwen, in a last act of heroism, grabs Flash and kisses him to occupy him so Peter can escape. Peter does so, but not before seeing Gwen kiss Flash.)
GWEN. Flash! Not in our place.
At Chipotle!
CHORUS. Chipotle!
FLASH/GWEN. We study in Chipotle!
CHORUS. Chipotle!
FLASH/GWEN. At Chipotle!
ALL. Chi-pot-le!
TRACK #4 - A New Peter Parker (the Transformation)
(The Doctor exits talking as the JANITOR, who is `the one' for the scene, sweeps her way across. Peter's itching comes to a climax; finally he feels a bite and slaps a bug on the back of his neck. The lights flicker and the transformation music starts.)
PETER. Whoa!
What's going on?
Vision's getting blurry
Dr. Spidderman?
I feel strange
Something's changin' inside of me
Rearrangin' at a mind-blowin' rate
Should be scared
Could be cancer, knowin' my luck
Wasn't prepared for cancer to feel this...GREAT!
(Music swells into a rousing, upbeat number. The scene panels behind Peter change from the science lab to a city street, lined with cars, one of which is a cardboard Prius. He walks along as he continues to sing.)
There's a power that's surging inside of me
I'm feeling stronger than ever before
All the weakness is purging inside of me
And all I want is more! Oh!
I am finally finished with all of the labels I've worn
It's a new start, a new day, a new life, a new way
So thanks old microwave
A new Peter Parker is born
I am feeling so strong I could pick up a Prius
And hoist it right over my head
What the hell, there's a Prius in front of me
Awesome! I'm lifting it and I'm not dead
(He throws the cardboard cutout of the Prius offstage, and a loud explosion is heard.)
While the sun's in the sky
I can jump and say `Hi' to the morn
Look up there and you'll see me
A powerful, free me
It sucks not to be me
A new Peter Parker is born
(Two ensemble members enter carrying cardboard cutouts of skyscrapers and station themselves on stage. Peter perches himself on the side of one as though he's gripping it, during the bridge he pushes off and jumps from one building catching himself by perching on the other.)
I can fly and walk on walls
Suddenly adventure calls
It's a new life for me to enjoy
It is what I have sworn
From now on I'm unfettered
I'll be a trend-setter
Life just got much better
A new Peter Parker is born
Track #5 - Hero of Men
(Peter and Uncle Ben are sitting in the Kitchen of the Parker residence.)
BEN. I am a hero!
I am a hero of men!
It's great to hear you say it, Peter
And I will say again:
I am a hero!
I am a hero of men!
I'm super deadly with a checkbook
And a ballpoint pen
I've never missed a payment on our cable bill, amen
I am a hero, a hero of men.
And Peter there will come a day
For you to be a hero too
Though you may not know right now, you'll see
There's power in becoming
What you will soon become
But with great power comes great responsibility
I am a hero!
I am a hero of men!
Paying down a mortgage is my super strength
And napping in the den!
I am a hero!
I am a hero of men!
The trash will never sit too long
My Netflix queue is never wrong
On this I swear as sure as my name is Ben
I'm a hero of men!
Track #6 - Who is the Man?
(The stage is bathed in red light, the townsfolk take the stage, they're all buried in their newspapers, which sport headlines about a `Human Spider')
A FEW. Did you read about the man who was seen climbing up a building
SOLO. Did you read about the man who leaps to roofs from far below
TWO. Did you read about the man who's true identity is secret
ALL. Tell me where he comes from, tell me now cause I need to know!
Who is the man?
Who is the man, who is agile like a spider?
Who is the man?
Who is the man, that mysterious outsider?
SOLO. I think I saw him on a building near the corner of Columbus and 83rd
TWO. I saw him swinging through the city on what seemed to be a rope
TWO. He was a vision for an instant in the shadows of the evening, or so I've heard
ALL. And though I should've been afraid I felt instead a shred of hope
(A camera flashes and Peter is standing with his back to the audience wearing a red hoodie with a white spider painted on the back, and a red mask. After he stages another photo he changes out of his costume back to his street clothes.)
PETER. Things are changing for Peter Parker
No more living with such concern
Making money by staging these photographs
Makes it's my turn, my turn
(The townsfolk freeze in a tableau as the light on them fades down, lights come up on Betty at her desk at the Bugle. Peter returns to deliver his photos, there is dialog with Betty and Jameson. Time elapses, and the lights cross-fade back to the townsfolk, who are again pouring over newspapers. )
SOLO. Did you read about the Spider-Man, the champion of wrestlers?
SOLO. Did you read about the Spider-Man, he's putting on a show?
TWO. Did you read about the Spider-Man who lifted up a Prius?
ALL. Tell me where he comes from, tell me now cause I need to know!
Who is the man?
Who is the man, who is cleaning up our city?
Who is the man?
Who is the man, whose pecks pop like they're in 3-D?
SOLO. I think I saw him stop a robbery down on Broadway that was happen'in right in the street!
TWO. He was runnin' on the roof tops, he was dancin' in the skies!
SOLO. I always thought a vigilante was the kinda guy that I'd never wanna meet!
ALL. But this hero of a man's finally opened up my eyes
(Again, the camera flashes and Peter, dressed as Spider-Man steps out, and changes back into his street clothes. He tucks his costume into his camera bag.)
PETER. Things are changing for Peter Parker
Uncle Ben I have really learned
I've got money and fame, all that I could want
Now it's my turn, fin'ly my turn
(The townsfolk freeze in a tableau as the light on them fades down, lights come up on Betty at her desk at the Bugle. Peter returns to deliver his photos, there is dialog with Betty and Jameson. Time elapses, and the lights cross-fade Peter is taking pictures of himself as Spider-Man and then finishes, a BANK ALARM is heard. This is the robbery.)
MAN. Spider-man! Help that bank is being robbed!
PETER. Sorry, I gotta get these pictures back! Good luck.
(Peter sheds his costume and is surrounded by the townsfolk as they circle him with papers singing.)
CHORUS. Who is the man
Who is the man
etc.
PETER. Things are changing-
Things are changing-
Things are changing-
Etc.
(The music swells to a climax but before it resolves it is cut off by Betty, the lights immediately fade back to the Bugle setting, and the townsfolk silently exit in darkness. Betty hands the phone to Peter.)
BETTY. Peter, there's a phone call for you.
DET. (Over the phone) Is this Peter Parker?
PETER. Yes.
DET. This is Detective Brenner, you'd better come home son, there's been an incident with your uncle.
TRACK #7 - Great Responsibility
(Peter is in the waiting room at the hospital, the Doctor is there explaining Uncle Ben's death. As the music swells the Doctor's speech fades out and there is a spot light on Peter.)
PETER. Like all my life I'd been living under water
In a snap, just like that, I can say goodbye to order
Your advice, great advice but I took it for the surface
Now you're gone, all my fault, cause I know I could have stopped it
I should have stopped it
But no!
I didn't think at all
I ignored the call
It's too late, I understand
It's too late, but I finally see
That with great power comes
Great responsibility
(Aunt May is now there being consoled by the Doctor)
What to do, where to go, every second feels a minute
I'm alone, sense of home, has vanished out the window
One wrong choice, you're not there, and it only took a moment
It isn't fair, nothings fair, how could I let it happen
Why did I let it happen
But no!
I didn't think at all
I ignored the call
It's too late I understand
It's too late, but I finally see
That with great power comes
Great responsibility
(Unable to handle the Doctor, Peter leaves the hospital to the streets outside, the lighting is darker, and Peter begins noticing a troubled city he had never seen before.)
SOLO. Somebody save my baby!
SOLO. Help, this building is on fire!
TWO. I think someone shot the mayor.!
OTHERS. There's a bomb on the bus,
There's a bomb on the bus,
There's a bomb on the bus!
PETER. How could I have been so blind to what this city really needs?
Like I was closing off my mind to the city's mighty heeds!
I will shoulder this burden as long as I can,
Be the hero I was meant to be, I am Spider-Man!
ALL. It's too late!
PETER. Now I understand
ALL. It's too late!
PETER. Now I fin'ly see! That-
ALL. With great power comes
Great responsibility!
TRACK #8 - Killer on the Loose
(KENT HOLBROOK, who has now been promoted to NY Channel 4, is warming up in his dressing room as assistants are buzzing by.)
KENT. Emmy, emmy, emmy, emmy, emmy, you can do this Kent!
GIRL. You're national now Kent!
KENT. Emmy, emmy, emmy, emmy, emmy, emmy, here we go!
MAN. Going live in three-two-
KENT. My name is Kent Holbrook
With Channel Four New York!
It started as a robbery
A man was shot and died
He leaves behind a nephew and a wife
The suspect's name's Gonzago
He looks a lot like this (Man's face appears)
Stay tuned and I will help you save your lives
My name is Kent Holbrook with Channel 4 New York
Protect your children, protect your wives
Lock your doors and stay inside
Don't run and don't vamoose!
There's a killer on the loose!
(The music shifts to the upbeat theme from the Transformation, two ensemble members enter carrying cardboard skyscrapers. Spider-Man slings through the two buildings, which move behind him and we see a brief portion of Spider-Man pantomiming web-slinging through the skyline but staying mostly center as the two buildings move around him.)
KENT. Gonzago's just been spotted
On 36th and Park
Police are giving chase but he's so fast!
This is Kent Holbrook, with Channel 4 New York
Be careful or today will be your last
Board your windows, load your guns
Don't run and don't vamoose!
There's a killer on the loose!
(Spider-Man catches up to the thug, the music changes to heavier rock fight music as the thug tries shooting Spider-Man but he's two fast. The two brawl, but Spider-Man bests the criminal and binds him with web. The fight ends with a Spider-Man delivering a slow motion kick and the thug posing in reaction while they are framed with a comic-book panel.)
KENT. Spiderman has saved us,
But we're not safe just yet
Danger's always lurking so beware
Again, I am Kent Holbrook, from Channel 4 New York
Trust in us we tell the truth, I swear
Think twice before you dog-walk
Don't run and don't vamoose
There still might be a killer on the loose!
Track #9 - When I Look At You (Villain Song)
(Peter and Gwen are studying in Chipotle. The WAITER, who is `the one' for the scene, has just left, and Gwen moves in toward Peter.)
GWEN. When I look at you Peter Parker
There's a nervous, awkward guy
Always sweating through all his t-shirts
And I have to wonder why
And why when I look at you
Do I feel the way I do
Oh Peter Parker, I...
(Peter's Spidey Sense goes off. which is the word `tingle' synthesized and played repeatedly over the speakers.)
PETER. Uh, Gwen hold that thought. I gotta pee.
(Peter hurries off. Lights go down on the Chipotle date half of the stage and come up on the other half, a bank. The bank is being robbed by ELECTRO who is taking a giant sack with a dollar sign on it from a helpless bank teller. The alarm is sounding. The music explodes into a rock theme.)
ELECTRO. Quake with fear at the awesome electrical might of Electro!
(As Electro intros himself, he freezes and someone holding the comic-book panel runs in front of him to create an establishing frame. After a beat the comic-book panel is run off and Spider-Man enters.)
ELECTRO. You're too late Spider-Man, you're gonna eat my blast
Thers' a new villain is on the scene!
It must be fate, I'm a victim of a tragic past
And I'm telling you what I mean!
My life began-
(Before Electro can launch into his monologue, Spider-Man quickly beats him to the ground and goes back to his date. The bank teller takes the money bag back.)
PETER. Sorry, the bathroom line was long.
GWEN. That's ok.
When I look at you Peter Parker
With your goofy, awkward smile
There's something new that beguiles me
But it's taken me a while
And why when I look at you
Do I feel the way I do
Oh Peter Parker, I...
(Peter's Spidey Sense goes off again.)
PETER. Sorry, I know this is weird but I'll be right back.
(Peter exits. The lights cross fade back to the same bank, which is being robbed again. This time by Scorpion who is wrestling the money bag away from the helpless bank teller.)
SCORPION. If anyone tries to stop me they'll be crushed by the muscular tail of the Scorpion!
(As Scorpion intros himself, he freezes and someone holding the comic-book panel runs in front of him to create an establishing frame. After a beat the comic-book panel is run off and Spider-Man enters.)
SCORPION. Well if it isn't the Spider-Man, well taste my tail
And have I got a tale to tell!
I may be strong now but as a child I was weak and frail
It's a story we all know well!
My life began-
(Before Scorpion can launch into his monologue, Spider-Man quickly beats him to the ground and goes back to his date. The bank teller takes the money bag back. Lights fade back up on Chipotle.)
PETER. Thanks for waiting...
(Peter's Spidey Sense goes off again.)
PETER. Ok last time, I swear.
(Peter exits, Gwen is alone.)
GWEN. And why when I look at you
Do I feel the way I do
Oh Peter Parker, I love you.
(Lights fade back to the same bank being robbed yet again, this time by Rhino.)
BANKER. Who are you?
RHINO. Rhino!
(Rhino says his name too quickly for the person carrying the comic-book panel to be able to make it there in time. Spider-Man enters and doesn't have the patience to wait so immediately beats him and hurries back to his date. Before he gets there we see a mysterious figure kidnap Gwen.)
PETER. Oh, I guess I would've left too.
(Peter's Spidey Sense goes off.)
Track #11 - Finale
(There is a crowd of people on the street. Spider-Man has just vanquished the Chameleon and saved Gwen and left. They are all excited. Enter Emmy-award winning anchor, Kent Holbrook.)
KENT. The crowds are out in force tonight
And I can tell you why
Danger had been brewing for a while
A Russian spy was questing
For a mind-control device
This is Kent Holbrook, Emmy style
Unlock your doors, release your children
But keep a wary eye
Cause we're only safe while Spider-Man is swinging through the sky
FLASH. Spider-Man's a symbol, he's the hero that we all need
JONAH. Spider-Man's a fraud, an instrument of corporate greed
MAY. Spider-Man who? Look everyone I'm on TV
BETTY. Spider-Man if you need a sidekick you can facebook me
KENT. He is proof you can make a difference
Without committees at town hall
He will bravely run
T'ward the blazing sun
He's the hope inside us all!
Oh Spider-man's the hope inside us all!
ALL. Oh Spider-man's the hope inside us all!
SOLO. I can use a little hope right now
SOLO. I can use someone to set me free
TWO. When there's darkness all around
I need a hero to help me see!
I want Spider-man inside of me!
ALL. I can use a little hope right now
I can use someone to set me free
When there's darkness all around
I need a hero to help me see!
Oh I want Spider-man inside of me!
We can all use a little hope right now
We can use someone to set us free
When there's darkness all around
We need a hero to help us see!
Oh I want Spider-man inside of me!
We can all use a little hope right now
We can use someone to set us free
When there's darkness all around
We need a hero to help us see!
Oh I want Spider-man inside of me
I want Spider-man inside of me
I want Spider-man inside of me
SOLO. I want him deep (riffing)
SOLO. So deep! (riffing)
ALL. Oh I want Spider-man inside of me
(The ensemble dances their way off, leaving only Gwen. Peter enters and Gwen goes to him)
GWEN. Peter you just missed Spider-Man!
PETER. I know! But he told me what happened. I'm sorry about our date, Gwen. I was having a great time.
GWEN. I was too. Maybe we could do it again?
PETER. Definitely!
(Peter's Spidey Sense goes off.)
PETER. Actually Gwen, you go, I'll meet up with you. (Gwen exits)
It's my fate, now I understand
Oh, at last, I can fin'lly see
That with great power
Comes-
ALL. Great Responsibility!
