CMU School of Drama


Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Singing Spider-Man may hit Broadway next year

TheStar.com: "The much talked about Spider-Man musical might make its way onto Broadway next year, according to Marvel Studios Chairman David Maisel."

11 comments:

Josh Smith said...

9 to 5. Spiderman. Catch Me If You Can. Phantom II!?

What ever happened to the original musical? Reading the stories on this blogs makes me so sad.

I loved what Julie Taymor did with the lion king - and I feel that the successfully created her own production with a completely differant way of telling that story - but I fear that because the MARVEL comics series is already so stylized, it'll be hard to break from that mold. Let's hope it turns out for the best.

AllisonWeston said...

I agree with Josh. There has been so many revivals and cross overs between film and theater. And while this might be a great way to bring the theater to a wider audience, I fear that it is becoming too commercial. I feel like it is almost like a cope out to bring film and tv ideas to the stage. Where are our innovative playwrights? Is this copy-cat stuff really selling tickets or are we just desperate?

NorthSide said...

Can we please bring back some originality to Broadway? I am so tired of stage adaptations. Spider-Man is just another lame ploy to bring the larger masses of America to NYC. I understand the need to bring in more than just theatergoers sometimes, but can we do it with a little more class, please?

David Beller said...

While I definitely think that there is way too much “fluff” on Broadway, I do believe that it is doing some real good. My cousin hated going to the theatre, but his favorite movie was Tarzan. So when it came out on stage, he decided he had to see it. He loved it. He has now seen many more Broadway productions and has even dipped into regional theatre. I believe this sort of commercial work brings in a new different audience that would not normally be attracted to the stage.

weandme said...

I agree with people that sometimes these movie musical adaptations are annoying, but it kind of bothers me that people are wondering what happened to the "original musical." because i feel that often when people speak about these "original musicals" they are speaking of the classic shows from the thirties and stuff, but those shows were just as mainstream and stupid comparatively.

I think people are having issues with what our culture is. But, we as theater producers need to realize that this is what people are wanting and seeing and paying money for. so figure out why they are wanting it. don't just whine.

Anonymous said...

The new fad of "mosicals" on Broadway is not only irritating but it's the downfall of Broadway's credibility as the pinnacle of theatrical performances. Just the fact that they are referring to these shows as "brands" and market them as such downplays the artistic element of it. And no amount of big name creative people can rectify the problems with modern Broadway. Hopefully after this current fad of "Mosicals" Broadway can at least return to respectable stage productions that do not rely on flashy movie based stories.

AndrewLeitch said...

This would be an interesting show to see as far as the technical aspects--especially the web-slinging.

But REALLY!? Can't people please spend their time on something more productive than an "comic-book action musical"? The appeal of stage production is not suited nor should it be suited for an action flick.

Is theatre really reaching a low that it must resort to this to bring in an audience? Gee, this makes me frustrated!

Anonymous said...

Ok this is a "really, really?" moment. I heard about this and although my jaw was already dropped at the thought of Spider-Man the Musical, my arms started frantically waving when I heard Julie Tamor was directing it. I love her, she's wonderful and highly inventive/abstract artist, but spider-man?

I don't understand why shows just steal plots from other mediums. Broadway is supposed to be the best of the best and anymore it seems to simply be commercialized waste. Like Legally Blonde, Xandau...really? Where is the creativity, the plot, the adventure? This sounds ironic, coming from a designer, but it's all over produced spectacle.

The only hope is the wonder of Julie Tamor, but you have to wonder how much room they will give her to experiment. She isn't a partially literal director, which is why she's great, but Spider-Man has very defined roots, so well see.....

Katherine! said...

Since when are movies the only idea for musicals??? Why do original pieces like [tos] close when shows like Shrek and Spiderman get a chance on Broadway?? That just doesn't seem fair.

Someone needs to write a great new ORIGINAL piece to become a hit on Broadway

Megan Spatz said...

REALLY!???!
I am so sick of movies being transformed into musicals. There are so many other issues and themes that can be explored that I think are much more interesting than the same story being told over and over again with music. There needs to be more originality when Broadway is choosing which musicals to add into its season.

Jacob Jimenez said...

Although, I don't exactly disapprove if the music is right, an intrinsic little voice is telling me this won't last. Maybe this is why all of these shows keep closing. Not a lot of people would want to choose this over an original show. I don't see how they intend to compete for business; I consider this somewhat lazy writing.