CMU School of Drama


Friday, October 23, 2009

More Delays Expected for Spider-Man Musical

NYTimes.com: "The new multimillion-dollar Broadway “Spider-Man, Turn Off the Dark” is now expected to start previews and open this spring later than scheduled, because of weeks of production delays and ongoing difficulties recruiting additional investors for the show, according to executive involved in the production."

14 comments:

Sonia said...

Why Why Why Why. What in the world are they thinking? Honestly I can understand the producers tryiing to get a larger audience by pulling something from pop culture. But really? Spiderman? As horrible as it sounds I am not surprised in the least that they are having trouble getting funds for the show, and this is the second time that they have had this problem. Then to top it off BONO co-wrote the music and lyrics. Goodness, I really cant understand why they would try to make a musical about Spiderman. I guess though they are giving people jobs and doing something they have faith in, so I hope that they do get the funds they need

Unknown said...

You would think that the investors would get the point that when nobody else wants to invest in Spiderman The musical. They are being told it is going to fail, and cant get the money- it means be careful. Cut back on money and find a cheaper way to do it. We are currently coming out of a recession already. Get the message and stop wasting money. Be creative!

Morgan said...

So I've heard a rumor that someone involved in the production has instated a rule that Spider Man may not sing in his red and blue. If it's true I think we would all breath a sigh, albeit a small sigh, of relief. There seems to be a large amount of skepticism floating around in reference to Spidey's musical debut. I would venture it might be because people smell a crass attempt to capitalize on a huge summer blockbuster phenomena. Still, what are we afraid of? That it will be campy? Comics can have many different moods but they've never been what I would call "realistic". Maybe we should give Spider Man a chance. After all, if we can suspend our disbelief long enough to believe in superheros, why not suspend it when those heros sing? On the heels of Dr. Horrible's cult success maybe there's a place opening up for a little bit of music in the battle between good and evil.

tiffhunsicker said...

I have to agree with Morgan here... Although it is very possible that it could potentially be a horrible flop... if we give it a chance, it might just surprise us. I do agree that it would be nice to see something original and creative as opposed to pulling this off of the comic/movie, but it could turn out to be really cool! With what I have heard about it, it seems like the technical aspects could be really amazing to experience! I actually would like to see it when it comes out just to see how they chose to execute it.

Molly Hellring said...

I agree with Morgan and Tiff, there are some many talented people involved with this project that it has the potential for success. It also is having so many problems already that they have already kissed that success goodbye. This production needs to have some serious meeting to get everyone on the same page. The disorganization is mostly just embarrassing for everyone involved. Because Spider-man has an almost built in audience everyone will probably make their money back, but seriously this is getting ridiculous. I really hope that they can get it together enough to open and make some money. I also really hope that it lives up to what I have heard about the technical aspects.

Cody said...

So not enough investors... What are they producing a movie? Are all of the artists on this production being put on hold? And if so, that is rude. Get your shit together, first of all. And second, think about what you are doing and most importantly WHY! WHY THIS PLAY? WHY NOW? WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH or SAY?

I don't see any point to this, any of it, except to show off, stroke egos and wast money. The same probably could have been said about the scale of The Lion King, however, there was some art there.

We'll just have to see.

Robert said...

It is a shame that a show is being delayed because of funding. But I am glade that they are going ahead as planed with the rehears. And that the show is going happen probly. I would be nice if they could find more funding to make shire that this will happen. I just think that because of all of the shows that have closed and them not clearing the set up costs I think that less people won’t to invest. I just hop that the theater industry will get back on its legs. So I would like to go see this show.

Timothy Sutter said...

I'm tied. On first thought, I believe that it is a really ridiculous idea. I mean, Spiderman? I have no need to see a man swung around on stage with webs singing something reminiscent of "I Could Dance All Night". But as stated previously, there are severa well known and talented people on design staff and if this reflects thier previous works, then it most definately has the possibility for success.

SParker said...

I agree with Morgan. Sure, this may not be the most sophisticated thing ever, but it really opens up a lot of possibilities, because Spiderman is such a dynamic character. Plus, if it is a bit campy, what's the issue? A lot of movies have become cult classics even though they are a little odd. I really hope that this musical actually does open at some point, I think it would be a shame to have all that work wasted. I'm unsure how I will feel about Bono doing the music and lyrics, but it could be very interesting.

Devrie Guerrero said...

I know we should give this a chance, i just don't understand how they could possibly think this was a good idea. You think they would take the hint after they couldn't get investors. I really do wish there would be new material on broadway and not some tv show or movie put on stage. Things like this make me wonder about the future...

Addis said...

How is it that a man such as Bono is having trouble getting money? That's just laughable to me. What I don't understand is the production process. How can a show reserve a Broadway theatre when they do not even know if they have the funds to put on a show? There whole process just feels messy. I understand times are hard currently and it's tought to put on a show but currently NYC is covered in advertisements for this production and they don't even have the money to do it?! I feel like they jumped the gun a little early here. I understand they've invested too much time and money to pull the plug but what were they doing when they launched all this chaos?

A. Surasky said...

I have to agree with Morgan and others as well. While my first thought is that of skepticism at a Spiderman musical, based on who is involved in terms of design, and how the play is being put together, it has a chance to be a good play, and something we all might enjoy. It’s unfortunate that it’s been delayed due to funding issues, but I think it would be better to get the show out for people to see, and see where it goes from there and judge it once we actually have the ability to see it.

MBerger said...

I think the fact that they are unable to secure investors should be a big HELLO!!!! to the producers that this is going to be a flop. If people who as a general rule, front money for broadway musicals do not want to front money for broadway musicals, than do they really think the general public is going to?

That aside, I can't believe they are turning Spiderman into a musical!!! it's a little on the ridiculous side. And I am sure it will be dark, not bright and happy like most of what is on Broadway now. Is that really what this recession needs, a dark show?

cmalloy said...

Dear Berger,

As much as I love you, you know nothing about Spiderman. Go read you some Superdickery. Thanks,

Cass

Anyway, ignoring the fact that Spiderman is one of the more ridiculous superheroes in Marvel's universe, what in blazes is Julie Taymor doing with all that money? I mean, U2 and Eiko Ishioka aside, 40 MILLON DOLLARS IS A LOT OF MONEY. It's a good sized budget for a motion picture, let alone a Broadway musical. It just seems like this project is going down a bad, bad path. I find this somewhat depressing, because I have always had a secret desire for the Batman musical to come into existence. Comics are an untapped goldmine of ideas, people. Film is just starting to recognize this again. It's a shame we haven't figured out how to utilize these ideas in our world as well.