Taymor Speaks Out on SPIDEY Delay; "1-1-11 is the perfect date"

As BroadwayWorld reported last night, lead producer Michael Cohl announced that SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark has delayed its first performance and that they will now begin preview performances on Broadway on Sunday, November 28, 2010, at 6:30 p.m.

Opening Night is now set for Tuesday evening, January 11, 2011. Directed by Julie Taymor and featuring a book by Julie Taymor and Glen Berger, and new music and lyrics by U2's Bono and The Edge, SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark will open at Broadway's Foxwoods Theatre (213 West 42nd Street).

"Shows like ours, that embrace the challenge of opening on Broadway without an out-of-town tryout, often need to adjust their schedules along the way," said Cohl. "SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark has an unprecedented level of technical artistry, and getting it right takes time." He added, "We apologize in advance to any inconvenienced ticketholders."

SPIDER-MAN director Julie Taymor has spoken with Showbiz411 on the news, clarifying: "There are no changes coming to the actual show...All the changes have to do with technical things. The flying, of course. But also all the wires, and the changes between scenes. We may need a little bit of an underscore to cover a move, or a small transition that needs to be smoothed. These are the things that you would work out on the road. We're doing them here."

She goes on to say how surprised she is by the "venom being spewed" at the show, particularly since, the production is employing some 200 people in a time of high unemployment in the industry. 

To read the full report in Showbiz411, click here.

Ticket holders for the postponed performances will be contacted directly and given the ability to exchange their tickets for a future performance at no cost or receive a full refund. Tickets purchased at the box office may be brought back to the box office during the hours of 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday to be exchanged or refunded.

Featuring direction by Tony® Award-winner Julie Taymor (The Tempest, Across The Universe, The Lion King), music and lyrics by 22-time Grammy® Award-winners Bono and The Edge, a book co-written by Taymor and Glen Berger (Underneath The Lintel) and one of the most iconic title characters of all time, SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark is the most ambitious production ever undertaken on Broadway and finds astonishingly fresh ways to tell a story inspired by over 40 years of Marvel comic books. The show follows the story of teenager Peter Parker, whose unremarkable life is turned upside-down when he's bitten by a genetically altered spider and wakes up the next morning clinging to his bedroom ceiling. This bullied science-geek suddenly endowed with incredible powers soon learns, however, that with great power comes great responsibility as villains put both his physical strength and strength of character to the test. SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark will thrill the audience through a unique entertainment experience in ways never- before-dreamed-possible in live theater.

Tickets are priced from $67.50 - $135 for weekday performances and $67.50 - $140 for weekend performances and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or by calling (877) 250-2929. Tickets are also available at the Foxwoods Theatre box office Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

For more information, visit www.SpiderManOnBroadway.com