Money Woes Ground Spidey, Other Musicals

Julie Taymor says she's not being fairly compensated

(NEWSER) - More drama behind the curtains for Broadway’s Spider-Man: Former director Julie Taymor is suing the show’s producers over what she says is a lack of compensation for her creative work. “The producers' actions have left her no choice but to resort to legal recourse to protect her rights,” her attorney says. Taymor was fired following much-publicized trouble onstage and off, but she's the only director eligible for a Tony for the show. More»

Usher rips his pants, Bono sings opera, the usual

(NEWSER) - In perhaps a case of history repeating itself, a blonde bombshell serenaded a notoriously libidinous Democratic president last night: But this time it was Lady Gaga sending up Bill Clinton, so things wouldn't have been complete without some extra raunch and an F-bomb. Appearing at last night's "A Decade of Difference" concert in salute of the William J. Clinton Foundation, Gaga told the crowd, "Tonight I thought we'd all get caught up in a little Bill romance," later telling the former prez, "I love you and your hot wife," before demanding that "Billary" "sit back down where you belong in the Oval Office with those high heels on." Finally: "If someone had told me so many years ago that I'd be doing that right in front of you ... I would have given a good American f**k you." Other highlights from the star-studded show, as per the Hollywood Reporter and E! Online: More»

Glastonbury demonstrators say group avoids taxes at home

(AP) - Activists say they plan a major protest during U2's performance at England's Glastonbury festival today, accusing the group of dodging tax taxes in Ireland. Bono "is well known for his anti-poverty campaigning," but has avoided paying Irish taxes at a time when the country desperately needs money, says a member of the group Art Uncut. Bono, guitarist The Edge, and U2's other members—bassist Adam Clayton and drummer Larry Mullen—are among Ireland's wealthiest residents. More»

$9 million on sets, costumes alone

(NEWSER) - Amid injuries, delays, and firings, Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark has managed to eat through $75 million, New York state financial statements reveal. To put that in perspective: The play The Book of Mormon cost $9 million, reports the New York Times . Here’s where some of the money—and time—has gone:

• $4 million to rent the theater for two years before opening (most shows need it just months in advance)
• $9 million on sets, costumes, and, er, shoes

Official Broadway opening comes after 183 previews, web of problems

(NEWSER) - After multiple delays, a record-breaking 183 preview performances, and so many mishaps that "troubled" seemed like part of its name, the Spider-Man musical officially opened on Broadway Tuesday night. True to form, the curtain rose for Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark almost an hour later than scheduled, the Wall Street Journal reports. More»