‘Spider Man: Turn Off the Dark’ opening delayed again, Taymor won’t direct
Posted March 10, 2011 10:56 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
It’s the most talked about show on Broadway and it hasn’t even officially opened yet — and it won’t until the summer.
The opening of “Spider Man: Turn Off the Dark” has been postponed for a sixth time and its co-creator, Julie Taymor, will no longer helm the production as director, producers announced this week.
Producers Michael Cohl and Jeremiah J. Harris said Taymor will remain on the creative team but can’t direct due to the latest postponement. Previous commitments mean she can’t commit to the show’s schedule past March 15.
The creative team has also been overhauled, including new musical and sound consultants.
The show is now set to open in the summer. It was supposed to open March 15 and because of the delay it will no longer be eligible for Tony Award consideration this year.
The show — the most expensive in Broadway history at a cost of $65 million — has been plagued by problems, including budget overruns, stunt problems and performer injuries and bad reviews. Despite the setbacks, it’s posting impressive box office numbers. It was the second-highest grossing show on Broadway this week after “Wicked”.
Last week, the show’s production company was slapped with three violations of workplace safety standards for four separate incidents last year that resulted in performer injuries.
Wednesday night marked “Spider Man”’s 101st preview performance.
Taymor co-wrote the book with Glen Berger. U2 frontman Bono and guitarist The Edge wrote the music.
