The Broadway production of
Spider-Man is a record-breaking box office mega hit.
Figures show that
Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark with music from
U2’s Bono and
The Edge made over €2 million in just nine shows last week.
The total €2,273,355 box office take is the highest single-week take in Broadway history. It shatters the record of €1,722,639 set by the production of Wicked in January last year, according to the Broadway League. Spider-Man is the most expensive show ever made on Broadway. It had a budget of almost €58m - but it had a troubled start with cast members suffering injuries after previews began in November 2010.
The play was slammed by some critics and original director Julie Taymor left amid controversy and is now suing Bono and The Edge, claiming she hasn’t been properly compensated for her work. But the script was tweaked and the final production has been a historic success since it officially opened on June 14, 2011. Figures showing the phenomenal monies which were poured into making the show a huge hit were revealed shortly after the grand opening.
It emerged that financial statements submitted that month to New York State showed that investment had reached a staggering €53m. Details of the spend include specifics on overcoming months of delays and disasters and dramatic production problems.
Accounts for the period revealed that millions were spent on sets, costumes and dancing shoes - while US$1m (€772,734) went to lawyers and an amazing $6m (€4,636,379) was paid to stagehands.
Producer Michael Cohl said at the time: “The bad news is that it was very expensive. The good news is that we will not quit and we will make this a success and that’s that.”
Ticket prices for the box office attraction are running at US$275 (€212) for a premium seat and $67.50 (€52) for a seat in the gods.
A little look at what went into making the spectacle -