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Julie Taymor Could Leave 'Spider-Man,' Report Says

By DNAinfo Staff on March 8, 2011 11:03am

By Olivia Scheck

DNAinfo Reporter/Producer

MANHATTAN — The creative team behind Broadway's troubled Spider-Man musical, including its high-profile director, could be in for a shake-up, unnamed sources told the New York Times.

Producers for "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark," the most expensive musical of all time at $65 million, have asked Tony award-winning director Julie Taymor to expand her creative team or possibly leave the show, according to the report.

The musical, which Taymor co-created with U2's Bono and The Edge, has suffered serious setbacks, including actor injuries, safety violations and scathing reviews.

On Sunday, the still-changing show, now in its 41st week, broke the Broadway record for most preview performances before an official opening, the Times noted.

It had been rumored last month that circus director Phil McKinley would be brought on as Taymor's co-director, but a spokesperson vehemently denied the speculation.

"There is no truth to the rumor of a co-director," said "Spider-Man" spokesman Rick Miramontez said in a statement at the time. "The production has not brought anyone on and the original creative team remains firmly in place, with Julie Taymor at the helm."

Despite the show's many troubles, preview performances excelled at the box office. Last week, "Spider-Man" was the second highest earning show on Broadway, behind Wicked, according to the Broadway League earnings database.

The Foxwoods Theater was at 84 percent capacity, with the average ticket selling for $98.27, according to the website.