'Spider-Man' to shut down for weeks? Producers mum

A spokesman for the troubled "Spider-Man" musical on Broadway insisted Wednesday that the show is still scheduled to open next week, as talk swirled that the production will shut down for several weeks and the opening will be put off for months.

Rick Miramontez, spokesman for "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark," said, "We are not confirming or commenting on the recent reports" in The New York Times and elsewhere. The $65 million show, he said, is still scheduled to open March 15. re the show.

Published reports, citing anonymous sources in the production, have also said that director Julie Taymor may already be on the way out, after struggling for months to revamp the show amid scathing reviews from some theater critics.

Taymor did not respond to phone calls from The Associated Press.

A new delay would be the sixth for Broadway's most expensive show. The latest postponement would also make it ineligible for theater's biggest prize, a Tony Award. Shows must open by April 28 this year to be considered for a Tony.

"Spider-Man" has already had the longest preview period in Broadway musical history. Many critics got fed up and reviewed it last month, largely panning the musical.

The stunt-heavy show was co-written by director Taymor and has music by U2's Bono and The Edge. Taymor is widely respected on Broadway for directing "The Lion King," still a huge hit. She did not, however, write the script, which was based on the blockbuster Disney animated movie.

"Spider-Man" regularly sells out and is among the highest earners each week on Broadway.