SPIDER-MAN: TURN OFF THE DARK has made headlines for, among many other things, completely overhauling the original version of the bohemoth musical during a lengthy preview period. In an interview with the New York Times, the show's creative team today said that there might be more changes headed for SPIDER-MAN.
Among them, director Philip William McKinley notes, is the unique possibility to add content to the show every year - thereby encouraging fans to revisit the show. "I want to tap the comic book roots and do a whole new issue of the show," McKinley said. "A 'Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, Issue 2012.' And then 'Issue 2013.'"
Another idea introduced is a radio campaign in all fifty states, which would fly listeners to see the show with the intent of the patrons reviewing the production on the air afterwards.
Of course, SPIDER-MAN still has a long way to go to recoup an approximate $75 million investment, but producers think that they'll get there by testing new ideas to boost attendance, followed by overseas tours, but: "Before we mount 'Spider-Man' anywhere else, we want to make sure we have the strongest and most financially successful version in New York that we can get," producer Jeremiah Harris told the Times.
While a lawsuit is still ongoing between original director Julie Taymor and the production (the suit will bring "closure," Harris says), SPIDER-MAN continues playing at the Foxwoods Theatre.
Inspired by nearly 50 years of Marvel comic books, SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark 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 now plays the following performance schedule: Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday at 1:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8:00 p.m., Saturday at 2:00 p.m., and Sunday at 3:00 p.m.
