Julie Taymor eligible for Tony consideration for 'Spider-Man'

Julie Taymor, who was booted from the director's chair of "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark" before the show officially opened on Broadway, has received a show of support from the organizers of the Tony Awards.

On Thursday, the Tonys announced that Taymor -- and not her replacement -- is eligible for consideration in the best director for a musical category, despite the fact that she left the director's role.

Taymor served as the director of "Spider-Man" during its development and preview phases, working with the musical's composers, U-2's Bono and the Edge. But in March, producers removed her from the director's chair following negative reviews and numerous problems with the production. She was replaced by Philip William McKinley, who was brought in to retool the show for its June 14 opening and who now is credited as the musical's director.

Taymor retains the rather awkward credit of "original direction," in addition to being the co-book writer and mask designer for the show.

A spokeswoman for the Tonys confirmed that Taymor, not  McKinley, will be eligible for consideration for the best director in a musical category for "Spider-Man."

The Tonys are organized by the Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing. "Spider-Man," which is playing at the Foxwoods Theatre, saw its opening day pushed back numerous times due to technical and creative problems.

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-- David Ng

Photo: Julie Taymor. Credit: Fred Prouser / Reuters