Just say ‘Groot’: ‘Age Of Heroes’ brings Marvel Cinematic Universe to life at PPL Center
Just say, “Groot.”
“Marvel Universe Live! Age Of Heroes” brings the Marvel Cinematic Universe to life at PPL Center, Allentown, for seven performances, Nov. 29 through Dec. 2.
The latest production from Feld Entertainment, which also produces “Disney On Ice,” “Monster Jam,” “Monster Energy Supercross” and “Sesame Street Live,” is a leading producer of live touring family entertainment.
“Marvel Universe Live!” premiered in 2014 in Tampa Bay, Fla. ”Age of Heroes” debuted in 2017. Stops after PPL Center include Nashville, Miami and Atlanta until early 2019 when the tour heads overseas.
“Age Of Heroes” is billed as “a thrilling show with incredible aerial work and daring motorcycle stunts” in “the ultimate race against time to save mankind.”
In the storyline, Marvel superheroes Spider-Man and The Avengers are joined by the Guardians of the Galaxy, who team up to help Dr. Strange retrieve the Wand of Watoomb from Yondu. Loki is in pursuit.
The one-hour and 45-minute show (including intermission) has some 25 Marvel Comics and Marvel Cinematic Universe characters.
The Avengers team includes Captain America, Iron Man, Spider-Man, Hulk, Black Panther, Dr. Strange, Iron Fist and Wasp.
The Guardians of the Galaxy team includes Rocket, Groot, Star-Lord, Gamora and Drax.
“Age Of Heroes” villains include Loki, Green Goblin, Rhino, Lizard, Yondu, Nebula, Black Cat and Electro.
“Don’t be late,” says Dylan Libby, who plays Groot. “Sometimes the audience links an arena show to a game and people fall into that mindset and they miss the Guardians, which you don’t want to miss.
“We are a combination of the cinematic and cartoon versions of Marvel,” says Libby in a phone interview.
“It’s our own little world, so there are a lot of things that hint at the relationships that are formed. It’s the first time the Guardians have ever done anything live. Some aspects of the comics are in the show, which is great.”
Groot is a nine-foot-tall tree that doesn’t say much, so the character’s emotions and responses must be well-thought-out when playing the role.
“Floral Colossus, Groot, when they reach a certain maturity in their growth are unable to speak,” Libby says. “Rocket was one of the first to understand him while in a prison cell together, which is what led them to join the Guardians.
“Before I got on the show, I was trying to find a character to play and surprisingly I felt that I related to Groot the most.
“He’s someone not a lot of people can understand or read, but everyone can always tell he loves his family more than anything and they mean the most to him.
“He really does anything he can do to protect them and he’s kind. He hands flowers to children. He truly has an ability for people to see him and feel his heart.
“When I get into the Groot suit, I feel like I can portray the love he produces to his family and his passion to protect. He is usually gentle, but can turn pretty strong pretty quick,” says Libby.
The show is designed to put fans at the center of the “Marvel Universe.”
“You can see the action no matter where you are due to the arena seating. There are tons of fight scenes with mechanical cylinders, blocks, props, lots of transitions and some surprises, all with a state-of-the-art 3D projection. This show is very high-caliber with amazing motorcycle segments, including lots of ramps and stunt.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime stunt spectacular show that brings together all your favorite heroes for an experience that you can’t get anywhere else,” says Libby.
“Marvel Universe Live! Age Of Heroes,” 7 p.m. Nov. 29, 10; 11 a.m., 3 p.m., 7 p.m. , Dec. 1; noon, 4 p.m. Dec. 2, PPL Center, Allentown. Tickets: PPL Center box office, 701 Hamilton St., Allentown; PPLCenter.com; 610-347-TIXX