Attention, Kids: Universe’s Greatest Superheroes Now in DC!

Playing now through Sunday at the Verizon Center, Marvel Universe LIVE! brings together more than 25 Marvel comics characters in a single arena for two hours of motorcycle stunts, martial arts, and pyrotechnics in an epic battle between good and evil.

The original story pits The Avengers (like Iron Man, Captain America, Hulk and Thor) against nemesis Loki and his allies (Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus, and Red Skull, to name a few) as they race to secure the elusive “Cosmic Cube”—the source of ultimate power in the universe (obviously hugely dangerous in the wrong hands!).

Though billed for Marvel fans “of all ages,” this is truly a can’t-miss for the younger kids in your life. The dialogue is a little cheesy, the dramatic sound effects and gestures reminiscent of the Power Rangers circa 1995… But the excitement among kids at an opening night reception on Thursday was palpable.

As performer and martial artist Kirk Jenkins (at left)—a Virginia native who plays Wolverine—said, “They’ll have an amazing time. There are so many cool things in the show that they’ll scream about—explosions, motorcycles, an eight-foot Hulk! They’ll leave with smiles on their faces.”