Spider-Man Swings Back To Broadway

Spider-Man lore is routinely based on New York's fear, hatred and misunderstanding of the web-slinging hero -- a point exemplified in the media gang bang of a musical, Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark. After a rash of injuries, technical difficulties and bad press, it seemed The Web Head couldn't catch a break in his world or ours. So much so, that producers ostracized original director Julie Taymor, while suspending production for a massive re-haul of the project. As the world turned their eyes to Andrew Garfield (and who could blame them?) Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark retreated to, well, the dark.

Until now. Wall-crawling back from his extended hiatus, Spidey's second-chance at Broadway success begins when Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark reopens tonight. Now 100% Taymor-free, the new rendition boasts a tightened script, tamed stunts, and less Arachne (phew).

An album featuring the music from the show, written by U2's Bono and The Edge, hits stores today as well, giving skeptics a sampling of the new show before sharpening their pitchforks. Word on the street is that the songs are actually good -- the single "Rise Above 1" appeared on American Idol and hit 74 on The Billboard Charts.

But what about you? Do you think the revamped Spider-Man musical is worth your hard-earned time and money?

-- FLASH STEINBEISER

Previously > Summer Hot List: Drop Dead Diva's Brooke Elliott