It appears the official opening of the Broadway musical “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark” is about to be delayed for a 6th time.
After a myriad of safety issues and a near fatal on stage accident, the musical, originally slated for a December, 2010 opening, has been met with delay after delay. Yet, producers have still charged full ticket price and had held critics at bay from reviewing a show that was not yet officially open, which is standard protocol in theatre. But believing producers were making out like bandits by getting full price for a show not officially open or reviewed, critics reviewed it anyway, and they were not kind.
The current delay being considered would move opening night to as late as June, giving producers a chance to work on changes to the production following extremely negative reviews regarding the book and storyline. Composers Bono and the Edge of U2 are also said to be writing new music to help bolster the show, while noted Broadway music supervisor and conductor Paul Bogaev has been brought on as a consultant.
According to The New York Times, no official change in the opening has yet been made, which is still slated for March 15th. But a formal announcement of a delay is almost certain to come this week.
Most Broadway shows hold about 30 preview (practice) performances in front of an audience at a discounted ticket price, which comes prior to an official opening, critic reviews and full ticket charges. But yesterday’s matinee of the production was the 90th preview of the musical, which has been charging full ticket price for a while. “Spider-Man…” is currently the most expensive musical in Broadway history.
