Thursday, March 10, 2011

Julie Taymor Fired from Spider-Man

In the latest development of the ongoing saga of the trials and tribulations of Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, Julie Taymor, the show's director, has been fired.  When, in 1996, Disney Theatricals handed her The Lion King, she was a relatively unknown director of experimental theater who, over night, turned into a theatrical wunderkind.  To quote the New York Times, "now, all of a sudden, she is something else entirely."  Nine years into her work helming Spider-Man, a show she co-wrote and costume designed in addition to directing, she is being entirely overhauled.  A new director is being brought in, as is a script doctor, to carry the production along over the next three months.  This will, of course, push the show out of this year's and into next year's Tony race.  As of press time, no comments were available from Ms. Taymor.  The reason for her departure from the production seems to be "creative differences" which, in this case, means that Ms. Taymor would not allow the producers to bring in anyone else to make suggestions on or changes to the show -- either by not meeting with or not following the suggestions of outsiders brought in to help.  The show will now be directed by Phillip William McKinley, whose credits include The Boy From Oz on Broadway as well as a number of circuses with the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey.

1 comment:

  1. Sad ending for a very creative talent. I'm glad I'm not an investor in this show.

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