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The Men Who Drew The Universe

Dramatic Theatre · Joshua Chamberlain · Ages 15+ · 90 mins · United States of America

World Premiere
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the men who drew the universe
JON BARRY certified reviewer June 14, 2026
tagged as: smart · Revelatory · Engaging
Thoroughly enjoyed the play - tightly written, fast-paced, well-acted...deserves to relocate to the Geffen Playhouse or some other venue where it can be enjoyed by an even larger audience.... full review
the men who drew the universe
SCOTT LEGGETT theatre theater pod certified reviewer June 08, 2026
This was a really smart and thoughtful exploration of the genesis of one of pop culture's biggest juggernauts... the MARVEL universe. Sharp, clean direction that uses the space exceptionally well coupled with some absolutely fantastic performances. ... full review
the men who drew the universe
KERRY LYN MCKISSICK certified reviewer June 07, 2026
Masterfully written, directed and staged, the play is a fascinating look behind the scenes at the birth of the Marvel world we are all so familiar with. We meet the creators, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, and explore their creative partnership -- and its unravelling. Along the way, we learn the meaning and cost of success for each of them. ... full review
the men who drew the universe
NATHAN ONDRACEK certified reviewer June 07, 2026
A creative look at the different sides comic book history, "The Men Who Drew The Universe" doesn't pull punches as it tells the story of how Jack Kirby and Stan Lee brought Marvel Comics into being. The acting and writing were superb, allowing the audience to see every character at their highs and lows. The show is fast paced, just like the old bull pen, with every moment shining a light on the legends of Jack and Stan. A must see for anyone who is a fan of comics or the worlds they have created.... full review
the men who drew the universe
ROBBY ANGELL certified reviewer June 07, 2026
One of the greatest team-ups in comics history is given new life onstage!... full review
the men who drew the universe
CHRIS DEVLIN certified reviewer June 28, 2026
An excellent show. The acting, directing and writing were top-notch. It was a fantactic story about who really created Marvel!... full review
the men who drew the universe
SUZANNE VOSS certified reviewer June 28, 2026
tagged as: amazing · Mighty · Invincible · Fantastic
Awesome!... full review
the men who drew the universe
DAN RUTH certified reviewer June 26, 2026
Joshua Chamberlain's "The Men Who Drew the Universe" stands out as one of the year's finest pieces of legit theater, and certainly one of its finest plays. Documenting the birth of Marvel Comics, this 90 minute true-life drama explodes with powerhouse performances by its entire cast, including the bombastically brilliant Leif Gantvoort as Stan Lee and the equally masterful Bryan McKinley as cartoon artist, Jack Kirby, as they navigate the pitfalls of contracts, money and ownership rights. Tinged with stinging humor, Chamberlain's beautifully written story of art, super heroes, and American capitalism is just only starting to explode. "Boom! Pow! Excelsior!"... full review
the men who drew the universe
ALBIE SELZNICK certified reviewer June 23, 2026
tagged as: compelling. · informative · funny
I loved this show! Josh is a fantastic writer and director (and great casting director!) The show was very funny, sometimes sad, very informative and very inspirational. I don't care whose version was right - Lee or Kirby - either way this is a fantastic show!... full review
the men who drew the universe
DESTINY FAITH certified reviewer June 23, 2026
Fantastic show! Definitely one of the best shows I've seen at Fringe and a level of work that is going beyond Fringe to a larger audience. Such a well crafted, well-paced, funny, and even touching at times. Clever and delicious dialogue and specific staging that felt immersive yet earnest. Honest and nuanced performances that helped ground us in these larger than life characters. So layered, would love to see this again if this wasn't the last show :) Bravo!... full review
the men who drew the universe