Taymor to Leave Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark?

Last Friday, BroadwayWorld.com reported that they had received an exclusive e-mail from the troubled production of Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark that went out to its cast and crew.  In it, the producers thanked everyone for their support and dedication to the project during these ‘trying times’ and that they would be ‘making some very difficult choices’ during this pivotal time and would be revealing their decisions ‘by the middle of next week.’

On Monday night, The New York Times reported that anonymous sources are saying that the producers are in discussions and negotiations with Julie Taymor, the director and co-writer, to either ‘work with a newly expanded creative team to fix the critically derided $65 million musical or to possibly leave the show.’ The NY Times sources stated that ‘they were not sure if Ms. Taymor would stay or go as director’ and also that ‘The names of multiple directors, choreographers and playwrights have been ricocheting around the Broadway community for days now. It was not clear on Monday who would be hired.’

Production spokesperson Ken Sunshine had this to say in regards to a possible departure of Taymor: “We are not commenting on speculation.”

After five opening night delays, the troubled show is still scheduled to open March 15. With so many previews under its belt, a large amount of critics have already seen the production in February and almost universally  panned it.  With the March 15th date looming, no invitations to the critics community have gone out making it more than likely that it will be delayed again, with most believing its opening will be delayed until June, well after eligibility for the Tony Awards.

Just last week, OSHA ruled on its investigation into the serious injuries incurred by four members of the show’s cast and slapped $12,600 in proposed fines on the show’s production company, 8 Legged productions LLC, when they found that ’employees were exposed to the hazards of falls or being struck during flying routines because of improperly adjusted or unsecured safety harnesses.’

While no official word has been released on Spider-man: Turn Off the Dark’s future has been said, let’s just say, at this point, its future seems very dark indeed.  Stay here for more information as it filters in.