Joss Whedon’s Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog pulled in roughly 200,000 hits per hour following its debut on the official website of the series. The demand for the premiere episode was so great that the original Dr. Horrible site crashed, forcing Whedon to move the site to a larger server.

The Nerdfighters, a student organization at Grand Valley State University, will perform the Internet sensation in a live show that combines theatre, comic books and pop culture.

Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog is a musical comedy comprised of three acts. The original version stars Neil Patrick Harris, Felicia Day, Nathan Fillion and Simon Helberg and was written during the WGA writers’ strike in 2008 by Joss Whedon and his brothers Zack Whedon, a television writer, Jed Whedon, a composer, and actress Maurissa Tancharoen, Jed’s fiance.

The comedy tells the story of Dr. Horrible, an aspiring supervillain, his nemesis Captain Hammer and their mutual love interest Penny. Dr. Horrible wants acceptance into the Evil League of Evil (ELE) and the courage to speak to his crush, Penny.

Alex Kempsell, a GVSU theatre major, will play the part of Dr. Horrible. Kempsell said he auditioned because of his admiration of Joss Whedon’s work and the character of Dr. Horrible.

“He’s relatable – it’s fun to play a nerdy hero who has big aspirations,” Kempsell said. “Personally, I’ve loved and lost like everyone else.”

Dr. Horrible’s application to the evil gang comes under consideration, but he has to do something evil enough for them to consider his admittance. Dr. Horrible does want to be evil, which would be fine except for two obstacles: Penny (Anna Jennings), the girl he’s head-over-heels about, and Captain Hammer (Ryan Mckerean), who always shows up to thwart his evil deeds.

Jennings’ character gave her the opportunity to show people her passion for acting and musicals.

“The play is set in modern times,” she said. “Penny is very sweet and cares about others – the girl next door. I get a big thrill being on stage and sharing what makes me happy: singing.”

Dr. Horrible could get into the ELE and earn the respect of Penny if he can keep her away from Captain Hammer.

“I think a lot of guys can relate to liking a girl who dates the guy you hate,” Kempsell said.

Amber VanAllen, the director for GVSU’s production, said GVSU’s live version of the musical is done completely by students and will be presented in a general way that everyone can appreciate. The plot involves funny moments and a theme of compassion.

“Everyone likes a comical underdog story,” VanAllen said. “Whedon has a huge cult following from his show Buffy the Vampire Slayer, so we expect a huge turnout.”

The Sing-Along Blog will take place at 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday in Area 51 of the Kirkhof Center. Admission is free.

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