After months and months of delays due to an exploding budget, it finally appears as if Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark is going to arrive on Broadway this winter. The LA Times tells us that previews will begin on November 14th and the musical will open on December 21st. Yup, this is really happening people – so get pumped!
The production – which is directed by Julie Taymor and features music by U2’s Bono and the Edge – has leaped a number of hurdles on its way to the stage, including losing cast members Evan Rachel Wood (who was to play Mary Jane Watson) and Alan Cumming (who was set to play the Green Goblin). Replacing them are Jennifer Damiano (as Mary Jane) and Patrick Page (as Goblin). While they’re not Hollywood names, it’s important to note that Damiano earned a Tony nomination for her supporting role in Next to Normal.
As far as Peter Parker goes, that role belongs to Reeve Carney, lead singer of Carney. The rocker has also appeared in Taymor’s upcoming big-screen Tempest adaptation, as well as the adaptation of Snow Falling on Cedars.
What do you think about this musical? My opinion: I mean, U2 rocks and when you sink this much money into a production, the thing has gotta look pretty cool. I’m expecting the Spider-Man musical to be more of an experience (like those shows they put on at Universal Studios) and less of typical Broadway musical. Verdict: Hell yeah I want to see what they do with this thing. You?
