Spiderman/Julie Taymor Appreciation Thread

Though the new Broadway musical, Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, has been plagued by negativity, drama, and problems, I believe it is just the kind of show that Broadway needs right now. The musical is a very good attempt at recreating the modern musical theatre and Julie Taymor should be receiving much more recognition and praise then she is currently getting.

First of all, Julie is a genius, there's no use arguing that, as seen from the world wide success of the Lion King. She is attempting something so big for Broadway that some people are unable to understand her motives. The visions that she creates are far more superior than most of us are ever capable to achieve, as if some one of us are able to do better than an award-winning director. She is often blamed for situations that are out of her control. It just seems that people are blaming her in the absence of having other people to blame.

The music by Bono and the Edge may leave something to be desired but some of their music is very good and the lyrics can be applied to our daily lives as humans, such as Boy Falls From the Sky and Rise Above. Sure it may not be the best theatre music in the world but it matches with the shows theme and type.

I just feel that people are not giving Spiderman enough credit for what it has. It is just like Wicked was a few years ago. Some people didn't like Wicked's music or the show itself but it spiraled into the phenomenon that it is today. I'm not saying that that is what's going to happen with Spiderman but in a sense it is already a phenomenon.

So haters of Spiderman beware!!!

Hopefully some people agree with what I had to say and will appreciate the genius and excitement of Julie Taymor and Spiderman!

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You know, when Glinda was dropped from the bubble for the 5th time during previews, I was ready to boycott that show! Good thing they decided to fire the director AND the book writer of Wicked, which ultimately saved the day. Interesting how they had someone directing and a DIFFERENT person writing the book. Is that an unusual situation in the theatre world? I thought that the director of Broadway shows normally just goes into rehearsals, wings it and whatever happens on stage BECOMES the book. Am I wrong?

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Updated On: 3/12/11 at 03:47 PM

Thank you for your post Ms Taymor, but the problem with your argument is that unlike shows such as "Wicked" (which is only as big because it became a tourist attraction) everyone HATES Spiderman!

But, with all your new found "free time," rather than clogging up this site... I hear a few people are after a revival of "Carrie" maybe you could attack that? ...Atleast no more damage could be caused!

Though the new Broadway musical, Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, has been plagued by negativity, drama, and problems, I believe it is just the kind of show that Broadway needs right now.

So Broadway should be more about million-dollar spectacle?

First of all, Julie is a genius, there's no use arguing that, as seen from the world wide success of the Lion King.

Actually, making money is not an argument for artistic genius.

The visions that she creates are far more superior than most of us are ever capable to achieve, as if some one of us are able to do better than an award-winning director.

The great thing about art is that one does not have to be more skilled or talented than the artist to have an opinion on a piece, positive or negative. Everyone, by the participatory nature of an audience, has the right to express critical thought on an artist's work. Having the ability to do better than an artist is not a requirement.

She is often blamed for situations that are out of her control.

It mostly looks like she's being blamed for the book, the concept, the execution, and a refusal to alter her work. All of these things are within her control.

The music by Bono and the Edge may leave something to be desired but some of their music is very good and the lyrics can be applied to our daily lives as humans, such as Boy Falls From the Sky and Rise Above.

Lyrics being applicable to our daily lives does not make them intelligent, noteworthy, interesting, clever, or of artistic merit. You can write crap that is applicable to our daily lives as humans.

Sure it may not be the best theatre music in the world but it matches with the shows theme and type.

Music managing to emulate a particular style does not make it interesting, enjoyable, or intelligent.

It is just like Wicked was a few years ago. Some people didn't like Wicked's music or the show itself but it spiraled into the phenomenon that it is today.

That does not invalidate the opinions of those who believe Wicked is lacking as a show. Popularity does not bestow artistic merit. People are not required to think well of something because others enjoy it.

And for the love of God.

It's Spider-Man.

Yeah but the point of the whole thread is to generate at least SOME positivity about the show, not crush it even more like Taryn did.

At least some people could appreciate the show a little more for what its trying to do (hence the name "Appreciation Thread").

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i just hope like heck she decides to pose nude for playboy. i think that would be so hot. like all gummied up in a spider web or something.

It's not that you had something positive to say about the show that has people barking at ya, it's the fact that you seem to have a total disregard to what is bad and what is good.

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True it could make some improvements but its not the worst show in the world, others have been way worse (such as the almost non existent Breakfast At Triffany's and Merrily We Roll Along).

UMMMMMMMMM. MERRILY has a score that those involved with Spider-Man could only dream of having.

... so does this mean we can start an appreciation thread for Carrie, too?

has a score that (for many people at least) soars and is filled with numbers that people actually remember when they leave the theater
I personally think Wicked has one of the worst scores Broadway has ever seen - that's just my opinion though. I would take Spider-Man's score over Wicked's score any day. I know I am in the vast minority, but I actually like Spider-Man's score.

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wow just re-read my post...it made no sense haha.
I think TOTD's score is tuneless, and fails to connect with anyone on an emotional level. I guess that's what I was trying to say.

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^ Exactly. Even though I personally don't like it, I have no problem with the fact that others like the score, and a lot of people do. You are right though, everyone is going to have different opinions on music from shows. :)

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I would love to see Julie Taymor take on the visual and technical aspects of pretty much any project. Her creativity is out of this world and she knows how to create some of the most stunning visuals ever seen on a stage. When it comes to writing a story though... let's leave that to someone else.

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