TV EXCLUSIVE: Philip William McKinley Talks Creating SPIDER-MAN 2.0!
by Jessica Lewis - Jun 1, 2011
SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark, the most ambitious production ever undertaken on Broadway with original direction by Julie Taymor and music by U2's Bono and The Edge, is currently in previews at the Foxwoods Theatre on West 43rd Street. After struggling to find its voice since beginning previews in the fall of 2010, director Philip William McKinley, writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, and choreographer Chase Brock were brought onto the creative team by lead producers Michael Cohl and Jeremiah J. Harris to help implement new staging, book rewrites, and additional choreography, respectively. The show is on track to open on June 14, 2011 after several delays.
Yesterday, May 31, BroadwayWorld got some one-on-one time with McKinley, the newest captain of the SPIDER-MAN ship, entrusted with revamping Julie Taymor's original vision into the worldwide commercial success the team hopes the show will become. Speaking candidly, McKinley reveals the pros and cons of reworking the troubled project, his new approach, additions and changes audiences can expect, and why the cast has been the key to the show's longevity to date.
SPIDER-MAN, PRISCILLA & THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS to Perform on Tonys?
by Robert Diamond - Jun 1, 2011
Michael Riedel reports in today's New York Post that talks are underway for a potential performance by Bono, The Edge and cast members from SPIDER-MAN on this year's Tony Awards. The show, which hasn't opened yet would traditionally not be offered a performance slot, which are normally reserved for musicals nominated for Best Musical and Best Revival of a Musical.
Riedel also reports that in addition to trying to find a spot for SPIDER-MAN, producers are also attempting to find a slot for PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT.
Also on the list? Much of the cast of THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS will reunite to perform 'Commencing in Chattanooga' and 'Go Back Home'.
Photo Coverage: SPIDER-MAN Swings Onto AMERICAN IDOL Finale!
by Robert Diamond - May 26, 2011
Photos from the season ten AMERICAN IDOL GRAND FINALE at the Nokia Theatre on Weds. May 25, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark made its first television performance since reopening for previews on the AMERICAN IDOL stage for the show's season finale.
SPIDER-MAN Cast Album Set for June 14 Release
by Jessica Lewis - May 25, 2011
The original cast recording of SPIDER-MAN will be released on the show's expected opening night, June 14, 2011, according to Amazon.com. The disc, which is now available for pre-orders is available through the outlet for just over $16.00. The album features 14 new tracks and was produced by frequent U2 collaborator Steve Lillywhite.
STAGE TUBE: Bono & Edge on SPIDER-MAN - 'We were way out of our depth'
by Jessica Lewis - May 24, 2011
SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark unveiled the first in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at the newly revamped production on May 20 on 'Nightline' along with a sneak peek on 'World News with Diane Sawyer'. For the segments, correspondent Cynthia McFadden attended rehearsals for the new production and interviewed composers Bono and The Edge, director Philip William McKinley, and actors Reeve Carney, Jennifer Damiano, and Christopher Tierney, among others involved with the production. The story also featured never-before-seen footage of the actual show. Click below to hear what Bono and Edge have to say about the new production, what they've learned, and how their first crack was perhaps a bit too hubristic.
Confirmed: SPIDER-MAN Cast to Perform on American Idol Season Finale with Bono & The Edge
by Kelsey Denette - May 23, 2011
SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark is set to make its first television performance since reopening for previews earlier this month when the cast takes AMERICAN IDOL stage for the show's season finale.
As per an announcement on the U2 website, the cast, led by Reeve Carney as Peter Parker, will join U2's Bono and The Edge this Wednesday.
STAGE TUBE: Nightline Goes Behind the Scenes at SPIDER-MAN
by Robert Diamond - May 21, 2011
SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark unveiled the first in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at the newly revamped production last night, May 20 on 'Nightline' along with a sneak peek on 'World News with Diane Sawyer'. For the segments, correspondent Cynthia McFadden attended rehearsals for the new production and interviewed composers Bono and The Edge, director Philip William McKinley, and actors Reeve Carney, Jennifer Damiano, and Christopher Tierney, among others involved with the production. The story also featured never-before-seen footage of the actual show.
TV Sneak Peek: Nightline Goes Inside SPIDER-MAN Tonight; Bono 'We Agree with the NY Times!'
by Robert Diamond - May 20, 2011
SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark will unveil the first in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at the newly revamped production tonight, May 20 on 'Nightline.' For the segments, correspondent Cynthia McFadden attended rehearsals for the new production and interviewed composers Bono and The Edge, director Philip William McKinley, and actors Reeve Carney, Jennifer Damiano, and Christopher Tierney, among others involved with the production. The story will also feature never-before-seen footage of the actual show.
U2 in Talks to Perform SPIDER-MAN on 'American Idol' Finale With Cast
by Jessica Lewis - May 20, 2011
The New York Post reports this morning that U2's Bono and Edge are in talks with producers at American Idol to perform songs from the newly revamped SPIDER-MAN TURN OFF THE DARK on the show's finale. According to the report on Page Six, Bono is also attempting to arrange for Spidey's stars to perform with him on the Idol stage. The two nigh season finale airs next Tuesday and Wednesday at 8pm EST on FOX.
SPIDER-MAN Featured on GMA, NIGHTLINE, WORLD NEWS Tomorrow
by Nicole Rosky - May 19, 2011
SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark will unveil the first in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at the newly revamped production tomorrow, May 20, on ABC's 'Good Morning America,' 'World News with Diane Sawyer,' and 'Nightline.' For the segments, correspondent Cynthia McFadden attended rehearsals for the new production and interviewed composers Bono and The Edge, director Philip William McKinley, and actors Reeve Carney, Jennifer Damiano, and Christopher Tierney, among others involved with the production. The story will also feature never-before-seen footage of the actual show.
New SPIDER-MAN Reviews Coming June 14!
by Nicole Rosky - May 19, 2011
Following its historic matinee performance on Sunday, April 17, SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark took a brief, three-week hiatus for technical rehearsals before unveiling the new version of the mega musical on Thursday, May 12. The official opening night of the new Spider-Man is set for Tuesday, June 14th at the Foxwoods Theatre (213 West 42nd Street).
STAGE TUBE: Nederlander Talks SPIDER-MAN 2.0, B'way Ticket Sales
by Lauren Wolman - May 14, 2011
James L. Nederlander, president of the Nederlander Organization, theater owner and producer, recently sat down with Margaret Brennan on Bloomberg Televisions 'InBusiness with Margaret Brennan' to discuss the re-opening of SPIDER-MAN: TURN OFF THE DARK. He also discussed overall Broadway ticket sales.
Review - Is Spider-Man Directing Itself?
by Ben Peltz - May 13, 2011
You know the old saying, usually reserved for Oscar-nominated films whose directors are not likewise honored: 'Did this film direct itself?'
STAGE TUBE: SPIDER-MAN Scribes Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Glen Berger Talk New Show
by Jessica Lewis - May 13, 2011
Last night, May 12, SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark unveiled the new version of the mega musical. The official opening night of the new SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark is set for Tuesday, June 14th at the Foxwoods Theatre (213 West 42nd Street). Tickets are now on sale through October 2, 2011, with group tickets on sale through January 8, 2012. Click below to hear about the new and improved production from the men who have updated it: writers Glen Berger (who also collaborated with Julie Taymor on the original production) and newcomer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa.
TV: SPIDER-MAN Returns to Broadway - Watch Tierney Fly!
by Jessica Lewis - May 13, 2011
Last night, May 12, SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark unveiled the new version of the mega musical. The official opening night of the new SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark is set for Tuesday, June 14th at the Foxwoods Theatre (213 West 42nd Street). Tickets are now on sale through October 2, 2011, with group tickets on sale through January 8, 2012. BroadwayWorld was on hand and brings you coverage of the evening below, plus special bonus footage of Tierney back in the air!
Photo Coverage: SPIDER-MAN is Back
by Stephen Sorokoff - May 13, 2011
Last night, May 12, SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark unveiled the new version of the mega musical. The official opening night of the new SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark is set for Tuesday, June 14th at the Foxwoods Theatre (213 West 42nd Street). Tickets are now on sale through October 2, 2011, with group tickets on sale through January 8, 2012. BroadwayWorld was on hand and brings you photo coverege of the evening below!
Photo Coverage: U2 Touches Down in Mexico as SPIDER-MAN Begins Previews
by Jessica Lewis - May 12, 2011
Tonight, May 12, SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark will unveil the new version of the mega musical. The official opening night of the new SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark is set for Tuesday, June 14th at the Foxwoods Theatre . Tickets are now on sale through October 2, 2011, with group tickets on sale through January 8, 2012.
Revamped SPIDER-MAN Begins Performances Tonight on Broadway; Christopher Tierney Returns
by BWW News Desk - May 12, 2011
Tonight, May 12, SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark will unveil the new version of the mega musical. The official opening night of the new SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark is set for Tuesday, June 14th at the Foxwoods Theatre (213 West 42nd Street). Tickets are now on sale through October 2, 2011, with group tickets on sale through January 8, 2012.
STAGE TUBE: Check out the New SPIDER-MAN 2.0 Commercial!
by Jessica Lewis - May 11, 2011
Following a three-week hiatus when previews resume tomorrow, May 12, SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark will play 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. The official opening night of the new SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark is set for Tuesday, June 14th at the Foxwoods Theatre (213 West 42nd Street). Click below to see the commercial for the new and improved production!
SPIDER-MAN Inviting Critics for the First Time in June
by Robert Diamond - May 11, 2011
Though the lack of an invite for critics didn't stop them from 'storming the theatre' to see and review what's being called 'SPIDER-MAN 1.0', the newly revised show will be inviting critics officially for the first time, the second week in June, before their upcoming June 14th official opening night. Performances begin tomorrow for the newly re-imagined show which has undergone extensive changes that are said to have addressed both audience and critical complaints.
Bono, Taymor, et al. Talk 'SPIDER-MAN 2.0'
by Kelsey Denette - May 10, 2011
This Thursday, after weeks of revisions and rehearsals for what has been dubbed SPIDER-MAN 2.0 - the overhauled version of the $70 million bohemoth SPIDER-MAN, TURN OFF THE DARK - opens once again for previews. Though the original version was marred by injuries, delays, and disastrous reviews, the creative team hopes to start with a clean slate.
New SPIDER-MAN Promo Promises 'New Story! New Music!'
by Robert Diamond - May 7, 2011
A new promo email for SPIDER-MAN's upcoming relaunch promises 'Order your tickets now and be the first to see the brand-new version of Broadway's musical spectacular--with new music, new scenes and a whole new take on the mind-blowing theatrical adventure. Songwriting superstars Bono & The Edge of U2 have joined forces with a new team of artists to bring this sensation to even greater heights. Be there.'