Arts News

Bono's Broadway bet: Spiderman for the Great White Way?

By April MacIntyre Feb 25, 2009, 13:32 GMT

U2 frontman Bono. Now in New York, the anticipated new musical “Spider-Man, Turn Off the Dark,” with music and lyrics by Bono and the Edge and directed by Julie Taymor has gained momentum with announcements toward a Broadway debut. EPA/PAUL BUCK

Irishman Bono is a man of many passions, incuding human rights, causes for Africa and ending world poverty, and he still maintains a touring and recording schedule with his band U2.

Now in New York, the anticipated new musical “Spider-Man, Turn Off the Dark,”  with music and lyrics by Bono and the Edge and directed by Julie Taymor, has gained momentum with recent announcements for a Broadway debut.

The Daily News reports that the producers announced that the show would begin previews on Jan. 16 at the Hilton Theater.

The musical, produced by Hello Entertainment/David Garfinkle, Martin McCallum, Marvel Entertainment and Sony Pictures Entertainment, will open Feb. 18.

Reportedly the operating budget will be the largest in Broadway history; unconfirmed reports place it at about $40 million.