The redux of 1940’s Superman comics has once again made its way to live theatre, giving audience members a chance to follow the man of steel in an all-out song and dance adventure. Drury Lane’s presentation of “It’s a Bird! It’s a plane! It’s Superman!” contends with any summer musical thanks to a charming cast and a strategically retro stage set.

The somewhat campy script was written by Robert Benton and David Newman (“Bonnie and Clyde”, “Superman”) while heavy-hitters Charles Strouse and Lee Adams composed the music. When “It’s a Bird...” premiered on Broadway at the Alvin Theatre in 1966, critics gave the show positive reviews, anointing songs like “So Long Big Guy”, “It’s Super Nice” and “We Need Him” as theatre hits. However, for whatever the reason, the general public’s attendance didn’t support the critic’s heralds, forcing the show to close just four months later after just 129 performances. Since, the show has been resurrected by many production companies and has been packing houses on a regular basis, perhaps because of the show’s nostalgic allure.

It’s a Bird! It’s a Plane! It’s Superman! is a funny story that coyly pokes fun at Superman’s “swell-ness” mostly when he is disguised as Daily Planet reporter Clark Kent. James Rank does a fantastic job in the role of Superman, delivering both the tongue-in-cheek representation of our hero and the clumsy mannerisms of Clark Kent. Of course it wouldn’t be a Superman adventure without a love plot between reporter Lois Lane (McKinley Carter) and our highly esteemed caped wonder, and we also know that where there is a super-hero there is an arch-villain – this time the jealous, ten-time Nobel Peace Prize loser, Professor Sedgewick, played by David Perkovich. Professor Sedgewick, determined to destroy the eternally praised Superman, teams up with an idiosyncratic group of Russian acrobats with the same agenda in mind. To further his diabolical plan, the Professor also gets the unlikely help of Clark Kent’s conniving, scoop-hungry office mate Max Mencken, who has also been trying to nail Superman’s secret identity.

Max Mencken (Jack Cassidy originally starred) is brilliantly played by Bernie Yvon. Yvon’s high-energy adaptation of Max Mencken provides punch-line after punch-line with a flamboyant charm but also with a Max-like squirminess that cannot be concealed, not that he would try. Sydney, the Daily Planet’s secretary and office flirt, is portrayed by Holly Stauder, who does a fine job with the role bringing a sarcastic humor to the office as she puts Max in his place and chases after Clark Kent.

At one point, it just so happens that Superman is “using” Clark’s apartment to “be alone for a while”. Lois, expecting to see Clark, is surprised when Superman greets her instead. Her visit turns into a confession of her feelings towards the man of steel in which she claims that, despite their many encounters and his saving her life on several occasions, Superman never said he needs her – not once. Viewers get a glimpse of Superman’s vulnerability when he confesses his love for Lois after she had already left the room.

“It’s a Bird! It’s a Plane! It’s Superman!” is engaging to both the eyes and ears with it’s well choreographed dance routines, catchy songs, stage lighting, and terrific costume design. The show also features wonderful aerial effects as Superman soars through the air and pummels evildoers. “It’s a Bird...” is a romantic comedy that will lift your spirits and can be enjoyed by people of all ages.