Insider Beat: Shelbie Rassler does her own thing with 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse in Concert'

Conducting an orchestra for a score as unique and genre-blending as Daniel Pemberton's "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Original Score)" has its difficulties, but Shelbie Rassler is taking on the challenge with ease and artistry.

On Thursday, the State Theatre New Jersey in downtown New Brunswick will present "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse in Concert." As the film plays on a large HD screen, a live DJ will scratch on stage alongside a full orchestra, highlighting the collaboration of different designs that embody this feature, from various animation styles to the distinct variety of characters.

Rassler will lead a diverse group of musicians through Pemberton's score, immersing the audience in the "Spider-Verse."

Named Truthspaper's "Young Woman of the Year," Rassler is a globally recognized composer, music director and producer whose work has been featured at prestigious venues like The Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall and His Majesty's Theatre. She has collaborated with major artists, contributed to Emmy-nominated performances and is deeply embedded in Broadway and film.

While "Spider-Verse" is well-known for its soundtrack produced by rapper Metro Boomin, Pemberton's original score is just as paramount to the blockbuster's impact.

"The way that the score is put together really reflects what is happening on screen, in that there are so many different styles of animation happening, and it creates this incredible, cinematic 'Spider-Verse' of really interesting characters and visuals and everything," she said.

This immersive experience will allow the audiences to further appreciate the sounds and rhythms that are the lifeblood of this movie and spark a greater appreciation for the talent that brings new life to the scenes: the composer.

It'll also help attach a name, Pemberton, the man behind bold sounds such as the intense "The Prowler" from the first entry, "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse," and the viral TikTok motif, "Spider-Man: 2099 (Miguel O'Hara)."

Rassler describes the variety of musical styles that are able to blend together and create a "collage of a beautiful soundtrack." While she enjoyed the big action set pieces, she highlighted the emotional intensity of the "melodic string writing" in moments of the project that are particularly tender.

Rassler has been preparing for a moment like this all her life. For as long as she can remember, she's been playing an instrument, which naturally led her into the role of conductor.

Still, preparing for the tour and being part of such a popular franchise involved an intense study of the music and all of the film segments within rehearsals. Considering her other career ventures, she remains passionate about film scoring, so being able to tour and conduct a film orchestra live is "beyond (her) wildest dreams."

She also recognizes how much this production means to the fanbase and the opportunity it provides.

It's more than just a one-time event for superhero enthusiasts. Rassler sees this concert as "a brilliant way to introduce people to live music and live orchestras." She reflected on how many young children and families are experiencing a full orchestra and live music for the first time — it only took the beloved story of Spider-Man to bring them all together for a special experience.

"It's such a beautiful way to open that door into a new world for so many people," she said.

While it provides a moment for bonding, she also hopes it will inspire a new generation of concert-goers, now interested in attending local theater and continuing to support live arts.

As she continues to grow as a conductor, she looks forward to seeing families and people from different walks of life come together for an amazing journey.

"I think that one of the most exciting things about being a conductor is getting to work with so many different people from so many different backgrounds and life experiences," she said.