Broadway’s ‘Spider-Man’ musical gets a December opening date

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Is this for real? After delays and numerous rumors of shutdowns and financial problems, Broadway’s new ‘Spider-Man’ musical has announced a new official opening date in December.

The production, directed by Julie Taymor and featuring music by Bono and the Edge, will begin preview performances at the newly renamed Foxwoods Theatre (formerly the Hilton Theatre) on Nov. 14 and will open on Dec. 21.

‘Spider-Man’ was originally supposed to open in February, but the escalating cost of the musical -- which is said to be the most expensive ever on Broadway -- caused the production to be pushed back.

Tickets for ‘Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark’ are set to go on sale to the general public in September, but no specific date was given.

Organizers also announced new cast members for the blockbuster production. Tony nominee Jennifer Damiano will play the role of Mary Jane Watson, taking over from Evan Rachel Wood, and Patrick Page will play the Green Goblin, a role that was previously going to be played by Alan Cumming.

Damiano received a Tony nomination last year for her supporting role in the musical ‘Next to Normal.’

Reeve Carney is still on board to play the lead role of Peter Parker.

The cast is scheduled to begin full rehearsals on Aug. 16.

Among the casualties of the show is its original publicity team, Boneau/Bryan-Brown, which resigned from the account in July. The show’s PR is now being handled by O&M Co.

-- David Ng

Photo credit (top): Marvel Comics

Photo (bottom): a rendering of a set for ‘Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark.’ Credit: O&M Co.