SPIDER-MAN - One Year Later

People count anniversaries based on OPENING dates. (And let's not forget it went on hiatus for a few weeks as well.)

However, even if it does run 3 to 5 years (and it probably will hit at least the 3 year mark) all sources suggest it will still NOT have broken even and therefore will still be a flop.

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Updated On: 11/24/11 at 07:37 AM

To be perfectly honest, it's one year later and people still have a stick up their ass about this show. It's just a show. And it's made it though, against the people (most of whom live on this site) who for some reason were personally hurtony the $75 million price and preview length. (although, to see a $75 million dollar show for $150 while you can see a $10 million show for the same price is really fantastic)

Can't for once we smile at their accomplishment instead of strongly wiping criticism, pure sh*t talk, and a personal grudge against Spider-Man? We all know about the costs. We all know it hasn't been open on broadway for a year. We know that! But it opened it's doors to the public for the first time a year ago. And to that I am astounded- for this production to take a hurt piece and radically reimagine it all in a year is an example of heroic theatre. To reject the ignorant cries to shut down and abandon, and to spend the money on something those people were so passionate about is something I will never forget, and something that has taught me so much about theatre. Spider-Man, no matter what people think of the content, is a noble production. So congratulations cast and crew on a brilliant creation. I hope the all are proud of their work, and the smiles they put on faces every performance for the past year.

No matter how long Spider-Man runs, it will until closing night, transform a broadway theatre into the biggest adventure seen on stage.

Updated On: 11/25/11 at 01:54 PM

I agree, LegallyBroadway. I saw the show this past summer. While it was nowhere near perfect, I still absolutely loved it and thought it was of the most thrilling and beautiful shows I have seen.

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Updated On: 11/25/11 at 02:43 PM

Actually you should have wrote ..."

Some even might say "actually you should have WRITTEN..." .

Ah the irony.

Thank you, LegallyBroadway2 :)

Oh yes it can. Just read Not Since CARRIE.

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Shows like Spider-Man are unique in that it was written in such a way that the special effects are another character. Most shows are written and the design is just an interpretation of what's on the page, but spider-man is different than that common formula. Maybe I'm biased, but I thought the performance was just good fun. I truly believe they could perform a song, like boy falls, and represent a lot of the show's real personality, but the Macy's performance attempted to preview a scene in which a performer was missing- the brilliant technology. So maybe they chose the wrong numbers and camped it up so much it didn't reflect the show inside that it really is, but again, it was a family event on thanksgiving. Not a test of fate and strength, not a competition. It was very clear from the beginning that this show would be a spectacular. I'm not sure why it's still surprising people that it is. Change doesnt come easy on Broadway. That's clear.

Respectfully, I say calm down. Don't judge too quickly, although with this amount of passion on these boards- hating everything Spider-Man has done, the tunnel vision won't go away.

It's an important element to think of. I find next to normal brilliant but can see why others dont. I don't like glee but I can see why some do. It's the same with Spider-Man, except a good amount here don't see it that way. I see why some don't enjoy it, at the same time iI love Spidey. The difference is I, along with others don't use that condescending tone as if Spoder-Man is an abomination because it uses a character that we've only seen in cirque before.

Updated On: 11/25/11 at 07:55 PM

Oh sweet Jesus. The technology used in Spider-Man has already affected "The industry" which is much more than actors and writers btw. no, broadway isn't going to be changed in content and convince writers to create musical adventures, but the industry has changed. It really has, behind the scenes, directors and creative teams have so many new ways to achieve broadway magic.

I'm sorry you hold such dark opinions about the show. Spider-Man is not a critical flop, it's a media misunderstanding, with the same grade range as Memphis or Wicked. Today, the show is finally standing up on its own. Becoming JUST another broadway show to blow minds away, to have fun. And they are doing that, no matter what the cost or legal issues are. It's fantastic to hear the screams and the cheering for Spidey when he soars across the house. The passion put into the show, without looking at money, is mind blowing. Any other show with such issue would close. But look at Spider-Man. They spent more money to finish the show. Why continue this negative whining? The show is just a show now. It wasn't your money spent. It wasn't taking space in your home. You don't even have to see it. It's just a show now. A broadway spectacular, they aren't meant for all people. But so many that go (seems to be a popular ticket to me...) are enthralled in general, not all, but enough to say this. Good Opinions are the higher majority. Most in the audience don't care about production cost, about legal drama, they care about seeing a show they've heard is a great night in the theatre, with effects that will have them talking for a long long time.

I'm not trying to convince anyone to love the show, no way, I'm merely trying to put forth an opinion that isn't self destructive, and obviously en route to. . what? Just whining. That's all. At the Addams Family I realized it wasn't what I thought it would be. Did I sit there and start sculpting my message board hate post? At Spider-Man 1.0 did I ponder the way to kick and scream about the poor content and for some reason the fact it had poor this and poor that backstage? No, like any show, I try to have fun, or take the content and enjoy what good aspects exists. Not hate it. There is no reason. No reason. It's laughable, reading what's on these message boards. . . it's difficult to take seriously.

If only we knew the worse charades that have happened to get shows afloat. Or maybe we do. . . but no one cares. . because from the get go, Spider-Man?? ITs going to be horrible. I am going to put my blinders on now and never give the show a true chance.

I hope you, and any other readers with the ailment don't continue having such a stale view about a show for the rest of your life. Life's too short! :)

Updated On: 11/26/11 at 02:48 PM

Condescending! I like it haha- No more arguments. Agree to disagree. Moving on-

Congratulations to Spider-Man!

Updated On: 11/26/11 at 03:22 PM

Bono, et. all DID go that route. There were several readings before they started rehearsals for Broadway.