Article content Batman, Bob and Bill Stage 18, FOH PRO Stage – Grindstone Venues, 10014 81 Ave. 3.5 stars out of 5 If you’re a product of the 1960s, as am I, the thought of Batman can’t help but thrill.
The dramatic draw of the comic books was amplified later through the television series with its cheesy theme song and captivating accessories, including the fiery Batmobile. So I was favourably inclined toward Batman, Bob and Bill — a 60-minute look at the lives of the comic character’s creators, Bob Kane and Bill Finger. But while a big fan of Batman, I had no idea of the backstory of the comic strip and television series.
Batman, Bob and Bill has its own narrative involving a hero and villain. Bob, a mediocre cartoon artist who contracted Bill and others to write and draw the comic characters for him, took advantage of those he hired to do the real work. While Bob had a successful and lucrative career because of the action-hero franchise, Bill, a wildly talented writer, received neither fame nor fortune.
Strong performances by Connor Meek as Bob and Andrew Boyd as Bill anchor this show, which follows the relationship of the two friends over decades. But the production itself suffers from a lack of creative punch. While I suspect there are copyright issues that prevent the use of Batman images or music, the production is theatrically dull.
Still, the story is compelling and fans of the cartoon genre will likely appreciate this behind-the-strip look at Batman’s creators. Find your Fringe! You can read all of our reviews here. Have you been Finding your Fringe? What shows have you seen? Do you have any favourites? Let us know! We’d love to include your comments online.
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