Thursday, October 7, 2010
Theater A Peek at the Spider-Man Musical Rehearsals: 40mph Wire Acts, Conveyor Belts and the God Mic
Posted by Benjamin Sutton on Thu, Oct 7, 2010 at 2:50 PM
The budget is now up to $60 million (from early estimates of $50 mil), with lead producer Michael Cohl commenting: "It's a new budget every day." Between working scenes with the actors the aerial equipment, designed by Cirque du Soleil, is tested, with AP writer Mark Kennedy gawking: "A moment later, a stuntman in a harness soars over the crowd at 40 mph, looping huge circles that make even the jaded gasp." Taymor paces the giant theater speaking into the PA system, what the crew apparently call her "God mic," still managing to hone in on tiny details like the placement of a prop book bag, or the sound of a slammed door.
Probably the coolest-sounding detail of the rehearsal visit, though, is the giant backdrop that peels like a comic book page being turned between scenes. So, basically, plenty of expensive tricks and toys that could misfire at any time. But look how much fun they're having!
- "Now everyone pretend you really liked 'Accross the Universe.'"
- "...and this is me saving the world in East Africa last summer..."
(Playblog, photos by Joan Marcus, except the one of the Spider-Man cow, whose photographer's identity must remain secret.)
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