Yesterday we learned from a New York Times report that director Julie Taymor was in danger of losing her job at the helm of the extremely troubled $65 million dollar Broadway mess musical Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark and today we learn from NY1 (a local NYC 24-hour news outlet) that Taymor has already been [...]
Yesterday we learned from a New York Times report that director Julie Taymor was in danger of losing her job at the helm of the extremely troubled $65 million dollar Broadway mess musical Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark and today we learn from NY1 (a local NYC 24-hour news outlet) that Taymor has already been ousted from the show. Citing sources, NY1 reports that Julie has already left the show … she’s gone. Additionally, there are new reports that the show, due to open next week, will have it’s opening night pushed back to June! Read below for all the reported deets.
The web surrounding Broadway’s controversial “Spider-Man” musical has become more tangled. Sources tell NY1 that star director Julie Taymor has left the production and that the show’s producers are busy looking for her replacement. NY1 is also told that the $65 million musical may have to shut down for a short time for possible changes. “We’re hearing that she is out of the production and whether that means she’s been fired or she decided to quit that’s still up in the air,” said NY1 “On Stage” producer Frank DiLella. “But, you know, this is a huge blow for her reputation. She’s an incredible talent, well known both here on Broadway and on film, as well as in the opera world, so she’s a significant presence for the art community and for her to be removed from a production is a very big deal.” In addition, sources say “Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark” will now open in June instead of next Tuesday. This means the show would not be eligible for any Tony Awards this year. “It’s a shame. All that money wasted,” said one New Yorker. “And for U2, with the music.” “I think the amount of money that’s been spent on this musical is obscene,” said another. “The whole thing is ridiculous. With the number of injuries, it’s just nonsense. Money should be spent feeding the homeless, taking care of the city. It’s a reflection of our culture and it’s an outrage.” The show has already played 99 previews at the Foxwoods Theater, and has been panned by critics who decided to review the show before its official opening. The show has been plagued by injuries, labor violations, and cast changes – as well as difficulties with its technically complex stunts. In December, stunt man Christopher Tierney fell 30 feet during a performance, fracturing his skull and cracking his vertebrae.
What a mess … what a sad, sad mess. I mean … none of this is really a surprise, is it? Forget all of the technical troubles, the fact that the show’s budget ballooned to a sickening $65 million was our first indication that the show was in serious trouble. Having seen the show myself, I can tell you … Turn Off the Dark does not look like a $65 million dollar show. It is well known that Taymor is a proud, proud woman … so if news of her ousting (either by force or by choice) is true, then this will severly hurt her reputation. To be honest, I think it’s about time producers went back to the drawing board to revamp the show and come up with a story (but deffo keep the amazing flying stuff)! They need new music, too … so if Taymor‘s out, then U2 should go as well. Spider-Man‘s Broadway life may be a tragic mess now … but it could be saved … with a fresh infusion of new ideas and workable solutions. I can’t say I’m all that sad to hear that Taymor is out … this show was clearly not her best work. It’s best she cuts her losses and moves on … away from all things Spidey.
[Source]
Anna Kournikova
Hayden Panettiere
Cameron Diaz
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