Actress Liz Larsen in a scene from the Broadway musical "Starmites" (New York). A young woman sitting cross-legged holding a comic book called "Starmites" to her chest and looking out longingly with a smile. There is a twin bed behind her with star filled sheets and on top of the bed is a huge pile of comic books. She is on a stage. The bed is part of a set for the musical.

Starmites



Intro

Sci-fi musicals are a rare and fascinating niche. The blending of these two heightened forms can create something surreal and sublime or sappy and sophomoric. Broadway has been the host to great sci-fi successes and glorious fantastical flops. This blog explores sci-fi musicals throughout history. Each post takes a deep dive into a different sci-fi musical to understand its development, music, impact, and more. Let’s begin with the the glory days of Broadway spectacle, the 1980s. And with a general public interest in space and comic books it was the perfect playground for many sci-fi musicals. So today, we’re kicking off with a hidden 80s gem: Starmites.



Actress Liz Larsen in a scene from the Broadway musical “Starmites” (New York). PHOTO: The New York Public Library Digital Collections

Featured Musical: Starmites

Starmites is a whimsical sci-fi musical created by Barry Keating (book, music, and lyrics) and Stuart Ross (book). It first premiered Off-Broadway in 1987 directed by Mark Hero, with a subsequent Broadway run in 1989 directed by Larry Carpenter. Despite its short-lived Broadway presence with only 60 performances and 35 previews, Starmites was nominated for six Tony Awards and quickly became a cult favorite.

Plot Summary

The musical follows the journey of Eleanor, a shy teenage girl obsessed with comic books, who is magically transported into the world of her favorite series. There, she discovers that she is the “Milady,” a prophesied hero destined to rescue the solar system from self-destruction. Eleanor teams up with the Starmites, a band of intergalactic guardians of Innerspace to defeat the evil Shak Graa and his villainous minions.

Soon she meets the flamboyant Diva, Queen of Innerspace who is also somehow her mother and seems evil but then she is not. Then Diva quickly encourages Eleanor who is also Milady who is also Bizarbara to marry Spacepunk who doesn’t want to because he’s in love with Milady who is also Bizarbara who is also Milady who is also Eleanor. Got it? Eventually, Eleanor/Milady/Bizarbara saves the universe and returns to her original world where her mom tells her it was all a dream. But Eleladybara insists it really happened in the final number.

Themes and Message

Starmites explores themes of empowerment, the power of imagination, and the hero’s journey. It’s a celebration of nerd culture and the escapism found in fantasy worlds, with a strong message about embracing one’s inner strength and individuality. It’s like Peter Pan in space with a touch of Sleeping Beauty mixed with Wizard of Oz plus an over-the-top wedding scene you might find in any classical opera. According to the New York Times, “Starmites is a living cartoon about growing up that should appeal to children of all ages.”

Starmites perform at the 1989 Tony Awards

The Music

Key Songs:
  • “Superhero Girl”: This opening number sets the stage, introducing Eleanor’s dream world and her desire to escape into the world of comic books. It’s also the only song I’ve ever heard use “Stan Lee” as a lyric and I am here for it.
  • “Reach Right Down”: A pivotal moment where the cast works together to inspire and prepare Eleanor for her final sacrifice and she begins to embrace her role as the prophesied hero.
  • “Diva”: The showstopper where Diva, Queen of Innerspace, reveals her glamorous and flamboyant personality, blending camp with menace and Tina Turner flair.
Sci-Fi Elements in Music:

The score of Starmites by Barry Keating is a fun combination of pop-rock, doo-wop, love ballads, and gospel. The sound design by John Kilgore cleverly integrates sci-fi sounds with traditional musical theater, using synthesizers and electronic effects to evoke the futuristic and otherworldly setting. The music’s playful, campy tone also complements the vibrant, animated comic book aesthetic.

From the 1998 album of STARMITES produced by Dianne Adams, James McDowell & Barry Keating

Characters & Performances

Main Characters:
  • Eleanor: The shy protagonist who transforms into a confident leader. Her character arc is the heart of the story, making her journey relatable to anyone who’s ever felt out of place.
  • Spacepunk: The leader of the Starmites, who becomes Eleanor’s ally and love interest. He embodies the typical sci-fi hero but with a touch of humor and vulnerability.
  • Diva: The larger-than-life antagonist, whose melodramatic personality and diva-like tendencies steal the show. She’s a villain you love to hate and she steals the show coming out of her stone feather shell capsule cave throne.
Performances:

While the original Broadway cast featured Liz Larsen as Eleanor and Sharon McNight as Diva, many regional productions have put their unique spin on these roles. Sharon McNight’s portrayal of Diva earned her a Tony nomination and she went on to appear in many films in the 90s as well as a guest starring role on Seinfeld.

Character Archetypes:

Starmites plays with familiar sci-fi archetypes—the reluctant hero, the fearless leader, the evil queen—but gives them a comic book twist. Eleanor’s transformation from an insecure teenager into a heroic figure is a classic coming-of-age story, while Diva embodies the campy, melodramatic villain often found in both sci-fi and musical theater.

Sharon McNight standing with arms outstretched wearing a fabulous maroon cape and sexy red fairy goddess outfit with high collar and short blonde hair. Behind her is a winged cave/throne.
Actress Sharon McNight in a scene from the Broadway musical “Starmites” (New York). PHOTO: The New York Public Library Digital Collections

Visual & Special Effects

As expected, a sci-fi show must include impressive special effects and spectacular world-building. On Broadway, the costume design by Susan Hirschfeld with sets by Lowell Detweiler brings the comic book characters’ world to life. And the use of bright, exaggerated lighting by Jason Kantrowitz emphasizes the fantastical nature of the story.

According to the 1989 New York Times review, ”Starmites goes too far at times.” At a key point in the story Milady and Superpunk are tasked with finding a super weapon called the Cruelty which looks like an electric guitar made out of aluminum foil. But the reviewer goes on to praise the overall design, “whenever there is a momentary lapse, special effects – laser beams, a shower of stars – and Ms. Larsen herself come to the rescue.”

Gabriel Barre as Shak Graa holding a metal electric guitar shaped "weapon" above his head. He is wearing a scaled yellowish brownish tunic and his face is covered with a helmet/mask that gives him a sort of android or reptilian appearance.
Actor Gabriel Barre in a scene from the Broadway musical “Starmites” (New York). PHOTO: The New York Public Library Digital Collections

Cultural Impact

In spite of a short run on Broadway, Starmites has inspired numerous regional and school productions licensed through Samuel-French. While it may have been overshadowed by the more spectacular marquees of 1989’s Broadway full of Cats, Phantoms, and Les Miserables, Starmites lives on as a cult favorite among many ardent fans. Its campy, comic book style appeals to fans of both sci-fi and musical theater, and its themes of empowerment and imagination resonate well especially with young audiences.

The cast of six characters in various heroic poses like they've just finished a song and the lighting is a dim purplish hue on the stage.
The cast in a scene from the Broadway musical “Starmites” (New York). PHOTO: The New York Public Library Digital Collections

Fun Facts & Trivia

Starmites was nominated for six Tony Awards:

  • Best Musical
  • Best Direction of a Musical – Larry Carpenter
  • Best Choreography – Michael Assaf
  • Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical – Gabriel Barre 
  • Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical – Brian Lane Green 
  • Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical – Sharon McNight 

Unfortunately, it did not win any.

The musical is filled with references to classic comic book tropes and sci-fi clichés. From the exaggerated heroics of the Starmites to Diva’s melodramatic monologues, the show plays with and pays homage to its influences.

In the video below Liz Larsen describes some delightful horror stories about the cast’s experience in the then-new Criterion Center Stage Right theater which years later became the famous Toys’R’Us flagship and is now a gigantic Times Square GAP. She is part of a lovely concert series, “If It Only Even Runs A Minute” celebrating underappreciated musicals. Created and hosted by Jennifer Ashley Tepper and Kevin Michael Murphy, they also do a fantastic job in this video introducing and fangirling/boying over Starmites. If you want to skip directly to the song, Liz starting sings around the 6:15 mark.

Liz Larsen sings “Superhero Girl” from Starmites at 54 Below for “If It Only Even Runs A Minute”

Personal Reflection

Starmites is a delightful, if underrated, entry in the world of sci-fi musicals. Its quirky characters, catchy songs, and campy style make it a fun, nostalgic ride that celebrates the power of imagination. While it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, it’s a must-see for fans of offbeat theater and comic book culture.

In a world where pop culture increasingly celebrates superheroes and sci-fi, Starmites was ahead of its time, blending these elements with musical theater long before it became mainstream. Its message of finding strength within oneself and embracing one’s uniqueness is timeless and resonates just as strongly today as it did when it first premiered.

Summary

Starmites is a vibrant, campy celebration of sci-fi and musical theater, filled with memorable characters, catchy tunes, and a heartwarming story of empowerment. While it may not have had a long Broadway run, its impact has endured, making it a beloved cult classic.

Gabriel Barre in full lizard costume holing his tail up above his head as he sings in a crouched position. Brian Lane Green stands behind him with one arm up in the same direction looking up. The photo is black and white.
Actors Gabriel Barre and Brian Lane Green in a scene from the Broadway musical “Starmites” (New York). PHOTO: Ovrtur.com

Up Next

Next time, step into a world where love transcends the boundaries of time and technology in Weird Romance. From a story about controlling a beautiful avatar to a mysterious love that transcends time and the fabric of reality, this captivating musical by Alan Mencken and David Spencer challenges our perceptions of identity, affection, and the ethical limits of scientific advancement. Join us as we explore these compelling narratives, where the future of love is unpredictable.

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