I am of course referring to Spiderman and Julie Taymor.

I have been casually following news of the recent Spiderman musical. At first it sounds like an interesting train wreck waiting to happen. Big media companies trying to exploit another venue to sell their content. Marvel Comics sees how well Wicked is doing and decide that there is a spot for them at the table. And how else to succeed than to get the director that Disney used for their Broadway success? Now, Julie Taymor is an amazing director and designer, of both stage and film. I can’t wait to see her version of The Tempest. Like her Titus , she had previously produced the piece on stage. But the conversion to film involves a complete re-imagining of the piece for the new medium.

Taking that into consideration, Maybe Julie Taymor is the right candidate for a theater version of Spiderman. Other designers haven’t done well with swinging (on ropes) cartoon characters. Bob Crowley tried this with Tarzan, and it flopped. But he does not have the strong background in leading adaptations and directing theatrical productions.

I was apprehensive when I saw this article . It seemed like they were rushing things, the first preview performance had numerous stops and mishaps.

But ultimately I am optimistic that it will be great show. Mainly because Ms. Taymor doesn’t accept anything but success. Reading this article (Last one I promise)in the New York Magazine reassured me enough that I am suspending judgement until it opens in January.

But it all comes down to to great things…