Song of Spider-Man: The Inside Story of the Most Controversial Musical in Broadway History
by Glen Berger
The true story of a theatrical dream—or nightmare—come true…the making of the Spider-Man musical. — As you might imagine, writing a Broadway musical has its challenges. But it turns out there are challenges one can’t begin to imagine when collaborating with two rock legends and a superstar director to stage the biggest, most expensive production in theater history. Renowned director Julie Taymor picked playwright Glen Berger to cowrite the book for a $25 million Spider-Man musical. Together—along with U2’s Bono and Edge—they would shape a work that was technically daring and emotionally profound, with a story fueled by the hero’s quest for love…and the villains’ quest for revenge. Or at least, that’s what they’d hoped for.
But when charismatic producer Tony Adams died suddenly, the show began to lose its footing. Soon the budget was ballooning, financing was evaporating, and producers were jumping ship or getting demoted. And then came the injuries. And then came word-of-mouth about the show itself. What followed was a pageant of foul-ups, falling-outs, ever-more harrowing mishaps, and a whole lot of malfunctioning spider legs. This “circus-rock-and-roll-drama,” with its $65 million price tag, had become more of a spectacle than its creators ever wished for. During the show’s unprecedented seven months of previews, the company’s struggles to reach opening night inspired breathless tabloid coverage and garnered international notoriety.
Through it all, Berger observed the chaos with his signature mix of big ambition and self-deprecating humor.
ISBN 9781451684575, Paperback
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Good Luck to everyone!
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What is the website requested??
that would have been one bizarre musical!
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This is the first I noticed Free Book Friday! How Fun!! Song of Spiderman sounds like a blast of a good time on a cold, rainy evening!! My nephew and his partner have both worked on Broadway musicals!! For the past 20 years or so.. One was a choreagrapher and one was the head of wardrobe! They would have a great time making this!! Please add my name to the contest!!
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Please enter me into the free book contest! Thank you
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I would love to get “the rest of the story!”
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Thanks for the chance to win.