Just when I thought Saturday was going to be Spider-Man free, news broke from Patrick Healy in the NY Times that the most expensive musical in history is considering delaying its opening night yet again. As per the article, the producers are considering pushing the opening to June, which would place the musical out of contention for 2011 Tony consideration (April 28 is the cut-off date). That would mark the sixth delay for the show, which was originally supposed to open over a year ago. Previews started November 28 and have continued through safety concerns, multiple injuries, changes, and the ridicule of the press and theatre critics. They had most recently pushed the date to March 15 (again, poor planning on someone’s part).
But to perfectly frank, I’m tired of hearing about it. I have not seen the $65 million musical currently in perpetual previews at the Foxwoods Theatre. But every day of my life I’m inundated. Whether it be the news, gossip, message boards, twitter, blogs and friends who casually ask about it (especially those non-theatre friends) not a day goes by where I don’t have a conversation about it in some form. I’m so weary of the endless news stream that my interest in seeing the show is rapidly waning. I’m not sure if it’s overexposure or just the non-stop “here we go again” mentality, but I’ve kinda moved on. This isn’t to say that I wouldn’t see the show if the opportunity arises. Part of me wants to hold off because it’s clearly far from finished, but another part of me would just rather do something else entirely.
Overshadowed by all this Spidey nonsense are the other musical productions starting performances this spring. All other new musicals from the fall have since closed, leaving me anxious for new material. The Book of Mormon has started performances at the Eugene O’Neill and its easily at the top of my list. Plus, Roundabout is offering The People in the Picture at Studio 54I’m not as excited by Catch Me If You Can, Sister Act, or Priscilla Queen of the Desert, but they are formidable entries in the spring line-up and deserve some of the attention that has been currently pin-spotted on 42nd Street. (I’m not sure what to make of Baby It’s You or Wonderland). Plus there are the revivals of Anything Goes and How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying.
Anyone else as done with this extravaganza as I am…?
I was starting to get fatigued early last month. I’m sick of hearing about it and I want to hear more about The Book of Mormon, which really excites me.
Addendum: I also wish the hubbub around the show would have quieted down after the reviews came out.