I'm really pleased that we're having this discussion. When Spider-man first began previewing, I saw the show, loved it - with noted flaws, which clearly were going to be worked on - and wrote about it here. I was trashed and even accused of being a shill. (I was so disturbed by the reaction to my liking the show that I actually had my account closed and stayed away for I believe over a year.)
Due to a series of circumstances, I was fortunate enough to see the first incarnation 3 times fairly evenly spaced out over its short run. I saw the huge changes that were being made and even had the opportunity to speak with Julie Taymor about the show (she was extremely nice and very interested in my comments).
I was deeply saddened that she was replaced as I could see the show shaping itself into an intense and magical piece of theatre. However, I was also very curious about the changes, so I saw the show a fourth time a few weeks after it reopened.
I was beyond disappointed. So much of the brilliance that made Spider-man edgy was gone. In fact, I thought there was only one positive additional to the new version - the funeral with the umbrellas and the coffin being lowered into the stage deck. I thought the new dialogue dreadful. Direction and choreography, worse. I thought the change in focus made what was a brilliant beginning now nothing more than an attempt to salvage a breathtaking set and early image. The list of dislikes goes on...
I am thankful for having seen Spider-man 1.0. It was a far more interesting show. For those who saw it very early in it's previews, it was being constantly worked on and it was coming into focus. I believe another few weeks and it would have been awe inspiring. For those who saw it right before the change, you too are lucky to have seen the better version. IMHO.
Updated On: 1/22/13 at 12:01 AM
