Broadway Features and Reviews
Spider-Man The Musical: Broadway Sneak Peak
By Eric Grundhauser, Broadway Magazine
Listen up, True Believers: after having taken on the criminal element with hilarious quips and furious fists for over fifty years across countless comic book titles, cartoons, a blockbuster film franchise, and even a rock album, your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is preparing to sling webs and belt tunes across Broadway in the upcoming Spider-Man the Musical!
Bringing the web-head to the stage is acclaimed costume designer/director Julie Taymor who originally helmed the equally ambitious Broadway production of The Lion King. And that is just the beginning of the mega-star power associated with the project. In addition to Taymor's inspired designs, Bono and The Edge of the immeasurably popular band U2 are developing the musical's score. While the identities of much of the cast remain secret, the lead female role of Mary Jane has been revealed to be young actress Evan Rachel Wood. As Mary Jane, Wood will be playing the love interest and undoubtedly distressed damsel opposite an as-yet unnamed Peter Parker.
While no one has been confirmed to be playing the titular web-slinger, word has it that Wood's Across The Universe (also directed by Julie Taymor) co-star Jim Sturgess is the forerunner for the role.
Not much is known about the exact direction the musical Spider-Man's story will take, but early rumblings suggest a whole new version of the much-beloved character. In addition to the classic roles of Peter Parker, Mary Jane, and the Green Goblin, casting calls have also revealed characters unique to the production. In line with Taymor's often classical themes, the production looked to fill roles for a "Geek Chorus," as well as an enigmatic new character that may be a dancing spider goddess. Combined with speculation about a brand new origin story for the hero, these new roles hint at a Spider-man mythos developed just for the Broadway stage.
While hard details about the design and direction of Spider-Man The Musical are as yet uncertain, it can be assured that whether you're a fan of the comics, the movie or just Broadway, Julie Taymor et al. seem to be preparing a spectacle of amazing proportions. Nuff' said!
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