The funniest part of watching this past weekend's "Saturday Night Live" was this mock advertisement for hack trial attorneys Gublin and Green. Wonder how "uncool" the PR flacks at Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark think this is. I hate to pile-on, but personally, I think it's very cool that any Broadway show gets parodied on late night TV.
In keeping with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.
Even though I'm one of those dreaded theatre bloggers whom former Bloomberg critic (and now fellow theatre blogger) John Simon called "vermin," I have tried to play the Broadway game. That is, I have dutifully respected embargoes by not reviewing any show until the time it actually opens. After all, that's a Broadway tradition among critics, and I believe if you want to be taken seriously as a blogger, you just may want to observe the rules.
I've also gone so far as to defend this production from one particular writer, who at one time all but suggested that Spider-Man would never make it to Broadway.
Since I always buy my own tickets to see productions, I try my level best to time my attendance for each Broadway show to ensure I'm seeing one of the final previews if the work hasn't already opened.
Such was the case when I first purchased tickets back in 2009, nearly a year in advance of the originally scheduled opening date for early 2010 (those tickets were subsequently refunded after it became clear that the production was temporarily grinding to a halt).
Such was also the case when I bought tickets for a December 18 performance after the newly rescheduled opening night of December 21 was set. Subsequently, opening night shifted to late January. Since I could not get a refund, I decided to go see the preview anyway. Yet, I dutifully remained publicly mum on what I saw on stage, even after Christopher Tierney's nearly fatal fall occurred just two days later.
I further respected the embargo, even after the opening night shifted yet again to February 7, which was when theatre critics Linda Winer (Newsday) and Jeremy Gerard (Bloomberg) provided mini-reviews of preview performances they saw much to the chagrin of the production. Naturally, a spokesman for the production cried foul.
Fast forward to Thursday. With no new reports of mounting casualties or incidents, I began to think that Spider-Man just might open on February 7 after all. I decided to take the plunge and purchase tickets for my third time, booking the show for the very end of January when critics would start seeing the final, untinkered (or "frozen") version.
Later that same evening, reports surfaced that Spider-Man would postpone opening night once again, this time to March 15. Friday morning, I tweeted, "Spider-Man delays opening for fifth time to March 15 to deploy new ending. I should have waited a day to buy new tix."
It wasn't long before I heard from The New York Times' incisive theatre writer, Patrick Healy, who quotes me in his story today on how the producers are defending their decision. I told him, "As a blogger who pays for his own ticket, Spider-Man is getting to be very expensive. This is the second time I thought I had tickets to see a frozen production, only to learn that I'm only going to see another preview. They need to reconsider what they're charging for preview tickets. It's very disappointing to think I'll have to pay even more to come again and see the finished product."
Thanks, Spider-Man,for making me feel like such a chump. You've not only betrayed someone like me who, at least until now, has respected both your creative process and time-honored traditions by remaining silent on what is to be found on your stage (as well as flying over your audience), but through what is looking more and more each day like a web of deceit, you've also likely duped thousands of audience members who think they're seeing a finished product and paying full price to do so. That's just wrong.
In keeping with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.
Last evening's terrifying accident at Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark certainly is leaving us hoping the best for actor (and Spider-Man stunt double) Christopher Tierney, who was reportedly in serious but stable condition after the mishap.
But the video above offers perhaps the best analysis of the inherent dangers of Broadway shows and nuanced perspective missing in other reporting. Seriously.
Here's wishing Tierney a speedy and full recovery.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB). In keeping with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.
In keeping with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value directly in exchange for this post.
Something occurred Sunday evening that even Michael Riedel of the New York Post probably didn't expect ever would. Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark actually began preview performances.
But now a column by The New York Times' Patrick Healy questions whether Spider-Man will have legs. His story indicates that the Foxwoods Theatre's new General Manager Erich Jungwirth has begun introducing himself to producers, asking them to consider his 1,932 seat venue for their Broadway shows.
Just smart business or a desperate move?
For the record, I have my ticket to see Spider-Man on Saturday, December 18. It was initially to be among the final preview performances before the previously scheduled December 21 opening, but now it will simply be one of nearly 50 previews leading up to the new opening night of January 11.
To be honest, I can't wait to see it. And no, I am certainly not hoping for a colossal failure. Since I pay for every ticket to every show I see, I go into each one hoping for the best. Whatever Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark turns out to be, it will likely be one to really remember.
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.
Millions To Finally Get Sense Of Spidey Musical Sunday
For many Broadway shows, there's no better place than Macy'sThanksgiving Day Parade to show millions of Americans what you've got through the television exposure on NBC, let alone the estimated 3.5 million who line New York City streets.
Yet, this Sunday, Spider-Man: Turn Off The Darkwill reach tens of millions via TV's venerable "60 Minutes" news magazine (see video above). It's all too much of a rarity for "60 Minutes" to focus on Broadway. So kudos to CBS for focusing on at least one of the Great White Way's newsworthy musicals.
For the millions of football fans who stay tuned to CBS, they'll get an inside look at the musical that's still causing headlines and headaches for the beleaguered, delayed $60 million production. Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark is supposed to start previews on the very same day as the broadcast: November 28.
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.
Three New Broadway Shows Begin This Month - Which Do You Most Want To See?
After two months filled with a whopping fifteen new Broadway shows, the dawn of November brings with it a bit of a respite. Only three new additional shows begin previews this month.
Please take a moment to vote in this poll, and feel free to provide your comments below as to why.
For the complete list of Broadway shows confirmed for this season, please click here. For shows that have been announced, but not fully confirmed with venues and/or dates, click here.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.
The musicians discussed how they were initially brought to the work and said they'd do it if Taymor would direct. Taymor also showed visuals for the "pop-up" set design and costumes. And when asked whether the music would sound like U2, Bono said that the "music swerves all over the road."
After viewing the video, I'm much more intrigued. How about you?
Previews begin at Broadway's Foxwoods Theatre on November 14, and the show opens on December 21.
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.
Turn On The Dark: Spider-Man Ticket Sales Begin Again
It's official!
I've received confirmation that the long-delayed Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark will begin Broadway previews on November 14. Opening night is scheduled for December 21.
Moments ago, I received an e-mail from Ticketmaster informing me that as a former ticketholder for performances that were scuttled earlier this year amidst the chaos in capitalizing this show, which some estimates have put at close to $50 million, I would be able to purchase tickets beginning at 12 noon today. (Yes, I actually was one of those who purchased tickets over a year ago! But I subsequently received a refund.)
U2's Bono (Paul David Hewson) and The Edge (David Howell Evans) are writing the score -- their first for a Broadway musical. Reeve Carney will star as Peter Parker/Spider-Man, Jennifer Damiano will portray girlfriend Mary Jane Watson and Patrick Page will play Spider-Man's nemesis to the Green Goblin.
So, dear readers, now that we know the Julie Taymor-helmed Spider-Man is a go for November at the newly renamed Foxwoods Theatre (formerly Hilton Theatre) on Broadway, will you be attending?
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.
Effective today, Live Nation has once again sold out with new naming rights for its beleaguered barn of a theatre that was initially opened by convicted producer Garth Drabinksy's Livent, Inc., on January 26, 1998, as the Ford Center for the Performing Arts.
Livent had acquired two theatres, the Lyric and the Apollo, gutting and banging them together with some of their original architectural elements remaining in the "new" 1829 seat theatre that's been created in their place.
In its brief 14 year history as a Broadway venue, the theatre has only housed eight shows, most of them flops and/or produced at a financial loss due to their over-the-top nature. With respect to the latter, an excellent case in point is the venue's original tenant Ragtime. Shortly after it opened in 1998, Livent declared bankruptcy, and SFX Theatrical Group swooped in to take ownership (SFX would ultimately become part of Clear Channel and then Live Nation).
The biggest hit that played the Ford Center for the Performing Arts was 42nd Street, which took home 2001 Tonys for Best Revival of a Musical and Best Actress for Christine Ebersole. The production lasted nearly four years and a total of 1524 performances.
Shortly after 42nd Street closed, Hilton Hotels was granted naming rights (Hilton's Times Square property is directly across the street from the theatre). Only four shows have played in the theatre during that time, and nothing has played there since Young Frankensteinclosed on January 4, 2009.
Of course, the next occupant was already supposed to be playing to record-breaking crowds. And while Spider-Man: Turn Off The Darkhas finally loaded-in with rehearsals about to get into high gear, presumably for a much-delayed fall 2010 opening, the theatre itself has been turned off in darkness for so long, it's probably no wonder that Live Nation was seeking yet another corporate sponsor's name to plaster on the building.
I'm no fan of such naming rights. It cheapens both the landscape and the landmarks themselves.
If I can take hope, it's from one landmark Broadway theatre that had a five year fling with one corporate sponsor. That affair blessedly didn't last. As of 2007, the original Winter Garden name stands alone. Miracles really can still happen on Broadway.
As for the newly minted Foxwoods Theatre, perhaps some of their luck will rub off on what is arguably Broadway's unluckiest venue. I'll bet they're counting on a full house.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.
Spider-Man Musical: Is Riedel Spinning Web Of Deceit?
To read only New York Post columnist Michael Riedel, one might assume that the new Julie Taymor-helmed musical Spider-Man - Turn Off The Dark has completely spun out of control and was squashed before it ever had an opportunity to fully develop.
Over the past two weeks, Riedel has devoted three columns to Spider-Man. The first appeared the morning after Variety reported on August 6 that:
Rumors have spread among legiters that the production sked for incoming mega-musical Spider-Man - Turn Off the Dark may be threatened.
The extensive work being done to prep for the technically demanding show ... is said to have stopped this week.
Variety's Gordon Cox went on to state that representatives from the tuner said that the show would go on. Cox also said that despite concerns, Spider-Man was "generally expected to become the sales juggernaut of the 2009-10 season."
When it comes to the greatest supervillain of them all -- The Riedeler -- Spidey has met his match.
The $45 million Spider-Man, directed by Julie Taymor and written by Bono and The Edge, is caught in my net, and I can report today that escape is virtually impossible.
Hello Entertainment, the company run by twisting-in-the-wind Spider-Man producer David Garfinkle, continues to issue press releases insisting that this $45 million fiasco, which has suspended production, will start up again once "cash flow issues have been resolved" and begin previews Feb. 25 at the Hilton Theatre.
Hello Entertainment (which I suspect we'll soon be calling Goodbye Entertainment) might want to tell that to Evan Rachel Wood, who's playing Peter Parker's girlfriend, Mary Jane.
Wood, a charming actress, turned down a couple of movie roles to do the show. This week, her agents have been scrambling to get those offers back on the table.
"As far as they're concerned, it's over," says a source. "She's available for other work."
But hold on a minute.
Lost in all his columns and in the torrent of coverage from reporters too lazy to do their own digging was that tickets remain on sale for a show that isn't even scheduled to begin previews for another six months.
What's more, American Express, which is sponsoring the advance ticket sales, is still advertising the show with videos on major online news sites like The New York Times. I found the video campaign while perusing the Grey Lady's Culture & Arts - ArtsBeat Blog.
Finally, for those reporters worth their salt who have actually done a little digging like New York Daily News' Laura Scheffler, you get a different picture:
Despite cash-flow problems, the Spider-Man musical is on track,with its stars still caught in the Broadway show's web. Evan Rachel Wood is "100% committed - she didn't pull out," says a rep for the actress, who plays Spider-Man's love interest, Mary Jane Watson. Alan Cumming is still on board to play the Green Goblin, and sources say that Spidey himself has finally been cast: relative newcomer Reeve Carney has reportedly accepted the plum role. The actor's management didn't respond to calls for comment.
So is Michael Riedel spinning a Web of deceit? Is Spider-Man really back on track?
Stay tuned. We're bound to see many more stories before we know for certain.
Talk about advance buzz with a capital bee, the upcoming Broadway musical version of Spider-Man, Turn Off The Darkis already firmly in the "on" position as it's selling advance group tickets, even though it won't open for nearly one year.
Spider-Man, Turn Off The Dark is set to begin previews at Rialto's barn-like Hilton Theatre on January 16, 2010, with opening night scheduled for February 18, 2010. Personally, I don't know of too many people who can plan quite that far in advance, especially for large groups, so I guess you have to give them credit for their moxie, especially in this economy.
But I guess since the musical will be directed by Julie Taymor, who made us marvel as she brought a little cartoon lion roaring to life on the Great White Way over a decade ago, you're allowed to think fancifully. Perhaps Spider-Man, Turn Off the Dark's real secret weapon is the not so secret pairing of U2's Bono and The Edge in providing their first Broadway score. Taymor and Glen Berger are writing the book.
...spins a new take on the mythic tale of a young man propelled from a modest rowhouse in Queens to the sky-scraping spire of the Chrysler Building, the bustling offices of the Daily Bugle, through the dizzying canyons of Manhattan, to new vistas never before seen. The musical follows the story of teenager Peter Parker, whose unremarkable life is turned upside-down -- literally -- 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 astonishing powers -- soon learns, however, that with great power comes great responsibility as villains test not only his physical strength but also his strength of character. Spider-Man's battles will hurtle the audience through an origin story both recognizable and unexpected -- yielding new characters as well as familiar faces -- until a final surprising confrontation casts a startling new light on this hero's journey.
Can Taymor spin her magic once again? Will Bono and The Edge's score make Peter Parker soar? And who will portray that bullied science-geek? For these and other questions, stay tuned. Count me among the intrigued.
Rain: A Tribute To The Beatles Limited run extended through May 31, 2011 (Show will go on hiatus starting January 15 and reopen at Brooks Atkinson Theatre on February 8)
Rock Of Ages - Open-ended run (Show will go on hiatus starting January 9 and reopen at Helen Hayes Theatre in March)
As someone who has been involved in both politics and public relations, it's no wonder I love watching theatre. Good or bad, it's the raw energy of seeing a live performance that gets my adrenaline pumping. From the moment I saw my very first Broadway show ("Annie" in London in 1979), I was hooked. Now I see as many as 70 shows each year ranging from soaring musicals to two-hander plays. And these eyes just may be in an audience near you!
