U2 “Spider-Man” Musical Swinging Onto Broadway February 2010
The planned Spider-Man musical, featuring music and lyrics by U2‘s Bono and the Edge, will make its Broadway debut in February 2010. Previews of Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark start January 16th, with the musical’s official starting date February 18th at the Hilton Theatre. Julie Taymor, director of film musical Across the Universe, is set to direct.
Bono and the Edge assuredly had no shortage of material to contribute to the musical — they’re incredibly prolific these days, penning 50 to 60 songs during their No Line on the Horizon recording sessions. The real test for the Irish band’s comic book knowledge surely came into play when they wrote the musical’s lyrics. We’re hoping for a tender eight-arms-to-hold-you ballad sung by Dr. Octopus.
While no casting announcements have been made yet, The Wrestler actress Evan Rachel Wood has long lobbied for the role of Peter Parker’s girlfriend Mary Jane. Wood appeared in Taymor’s Across the Universe alongside actor Jim Sturgess, who has been rumored to play Peter Parker.
According to the press release, “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.”
Rolling Stone will have more details about the Spider-Man musical in the next issue, so keep an eye on stands.
Related Stories:
• Label Leak to Blame for Early Arrival of U2’s “No Line on the Horizon”
• Bono’s Search for a “Spiritual Mecca”: Daniel Lanois on U2’s “No Line on the Horizon”
• U2 Book Letterman Residency For “No Line on the Horizon” Release Week