RIALTO CHATTER: 'SPIDER-MAN' Producers Refute Riedel To MTV, Re-Confirm Musical Will 'Swing' To Bdwy

Someone should make a musical about all this drama happening behind the scenes. THAT would be a show I'd be interested in!

Anyone want to bet on it opening on time?

Even with odds of 50 to 1, it is a bad bet.

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I want to see all the designs! Especially the set!

I could be, and probably am, wrong but part of me feels this is partly a publicity stunt of some kind. I haven't seen this on any of the major entertainment programs (I missed it if it has been), and they make a statement to MTV News? Might be far fetched but I am just thinking of MTV's demographics and thinking they are directing this to these kids that they think will want to see the show. Just my very random thoughts!

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Is this factual proof that Riedel is a douche?

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45 million dollars bet on Julie Traymor? Sucker's bet. Have you ever tried to sit through her movies? They're unwatchable. LION KING was perfect for her because it was a spectacle wrapped around a tiny story. SPIDERMAN is a much, much more complex concept. It's not really all about the special effects; they help sell tickets but the story is all character and that doesn't sound like what this musical is becoming. 45 million dollars? You could build a new theater for that, or start a school of Musical Theater at NYU. Instead, if it actually happens, they could lose it all in one night because every critic will be out with their teeth bared.

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I don't get this veheamence for Julie Taymor?! What's everyone's deal with this woman?! She is one of the theatr'e innovators and has worked hard to carve out her own unique theatrical cvocabular. It's not like she through glitter onstage and said 'enjoy' - which having sat through Wicked more then once I feel is like what they did.

There is artistry and then maindstream theatre. Julie Taymor is part of that thin slice of director who has been able to combine her work into both.

Spiderman can work on stage... but I can't imagine another director who could make it work except for Julie Taymor.

I am forced to believe that Spiderman has that mainstream notoriety that could turn it into a long run hit like Lion King, Phantom, and yes, even Wicked.

If there is catchy musical and lots to look at, there will be an audience.

If it opens - it will sell. Why? Because people will want to see it. 1/2 because they think it's an awesome idea and the other half because they are hoping it will fail.

Grendel didn't fail. It was a mess to get on stage but it did not fail. Lion King didn't fail. And while her film ventures have been perhaps too theatrical and cerebral for some, there is real genius in the quality. Taymor is a bankable artist. She makes the impossible, possible.

THAT is why they hired her. I blame poorly prepared and inexperienced producers for this mess.

Geez people, calm down and lets let the show open before we rip it to shreds.

Allofmylife-have to disagree about your view on Taymor's films. Titus and in particular Frida are beautifully and haunting films, a great tribute to Taymor's distinct visual style.

Give Taymor her due, she can make something LOOK great...now with this Spider-Man musical, eh I'm up in the air.

mpd4165, I have to disagree with you. I had the unique experience of sitting through the film with a group of directors and production managers who shared my feelings. We just couldn't warm up to the film. It was absurd and, to me, muddled. I thought Across The Universe was just plain stupid and after it was over, all I felt was, "Bad Baz Luhrman."

Your mileage may - and apparently does - vary.

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Clearly Taymor is not for all people.

1 for 3 on Broadway - sure. I buy that. But when only 1 in 5 shows are recouping their investment, she still is under par. Juan Darien was never meant to be a blockbuster... it didn't have mainstream appeal... it's transfer was more about allowing a more mainstream artist to see the work.

But then lets not forget her non Broadway artistic Success including productions of Grendel, The Magic Flute, Tempest, Titus, and Oedipus Rex

SNAFU is right on the money here. Few directors create images as utterly empty and meaningless as Taymor's beautiful tableaus.

LOL @ Bettyboy...

As to the rest... okay, I get what everyone is saying, it's just hard for me to reconcile it.

If anything it's not meaningless imagery, its self indulgent! There is TOO much thought and reason behind each image. Look at the Transposed Heads and those brothers holding onto eachother and forming the inverted triangle... the sheer idea is over indulgent. One can not exisist without the other!