Ok, let it be known that I am not prejudging this musical. However, whenever anyone mentions a musical version of Spider-Man, I am reminded of a show they used to have at Universal Studios Hollywood called Spider-Man Rocks! It needs to be seen to be believed. This is the "big fight sequence".
I'm remaining optimistic. Remember, it's based on the comics, not the movies, and just as with any unknown quantity, it could turn out to be brilliant. I'm all for "wait and see" and "don't knock it until you've tried it", and we don't have *much* reason yet to worry, other than the initial WTF! from hearing about a Spider-Man musical. I imagine back in the day people were quite disbelieving about a Jesus musical an' all, but those turned out okay.
If anyone can do this show, it's Taymor. People said all the same things when news broke out about Lion King, and I would say it worked out pretty well for everyone involved.
I think it sounds dreadful....but just another tidbit of info they are building Irelands first "recieving house" theatre in the next couple of years with just over 2000 seats and their aim as announced in the national press is to have the out of town tryout [although they called it the world premiere] for Spiderman in it in 2010.
I think the bit about the set looking like the 'Rent' set referred to the 'Spider-Man Rocks!' show referenced earlier in the thread. No 'Spider-Man: The Musical' set has appeared as yet.