MICHAEL KUCHWARAAP Drama Writer
NEW YORK (AP) --Has "Spider-Man, Turn Off the Dark" been caught in a web of financial difficulties?
Hello Entertainment, one of its producers, says work on the lavish Broadway-bound musical has been suspended until the resolution of an "unexpected cash flow problem."
Yet in a statement, Hello said: "Plans necessary for this correction are in hand now and it is expected that activities, including work in the theater, will resume within the immediate future."
No specific date was given.
The musical is still scheduled to begin preview performances Feb. 25 at the Hilton Theatre, although no opening date has been set.
"Spider-Man" reportedly has a budget of upward of $40 million, and the Hilton has undergone extensive renovation to accommodate the show, which will be directed by Julie Taymor and features a score by Bono and The Edge of U2.
Taymor was the creative force behind "The Lion King," Disney's long-running musical, now in its second decade on Broadway. She will co-write the "Spider-Man" book with Glen Berger.
The story for the musical was inspired by the Marvel comic books hero -- who's also inspired three hit movies -- and will include the story of his origins as well as new material.
No casting has been announced for the show's title character but Evan Rachel Wood will portray Peter Parker's girlfriend, Mary Jane Watson, and Alan Cumming is set for the role of Norman Osborn, the musical's villainous Green Goblin.
Related stories: Alan Cumming, Evan Rachel Wood join Spider-Man musical
Images above of actors Alan Cumming (left) and Evan Rachel Wood by Associated Press
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