Evan Rachel Wood and Alan Cumming have joined the cast of “Spider-Man Turn Off the Dark,” the upcoming Broadway musical about the famous web-slinger. Wood will portray Peter Parker’s girlfriend, Mary Jane Watson, while Cumming takes on the role of Norman Osborn, also known as the villainous Green Goblin. The musical, directed by Julie Taymor, begins preview performances Feb. 25, 2010, at the Hilton Theatre. An opening date will be announced later — as will the actor who will play Spider-Man. “Spider-Man” will feature a score by Bono and The Edge of U2. – from AP

“Spider-Man, Turn Off the Dark” will open on Broadway on February 18, 2010 with music and lyrics written by U2’s Bono and The Edge.

The show is inspired by more than 40 years of Marvel Spider-Man comic books, but spins a new take on the tale of Peter Parker, who finds himself endowed with astonishing powers after he is bitten by a genetically altered spider.

“Spider-Man’s battles will hurtle the audience through an original story both recognizable and unexpected — yielding new characters as well as familiar faces — until a final surprising confrontation casts a startling new light on this hero’s journey,” producers said in a statement.

The show, which will begin preview performances on January 16, 2010, will be directed by Tony Award-winner Julie Taymor, best known for Disney’s successful “The Lion King” on Broadway.

Bono and The Edge, one half of U2, will make their Broadway debut by creating new music and lyrics for the “Spider-Man, Turn Off the Dark.” Casting for the show is yet to be announced.

- from Reuters

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Everyone’s favorite neighborhood webcrawler will leave the singing to his alter-ego, however, focusing on action rather than music when he dons the skintight red and blue. “Spider-Man never sings in tights, only as Peter Parker,” Wood said with a laugh. “A man does not sing in spandex, so that was a big deal.” – from Scifi

IESB talked exclusively with actress Evan Rachel Wood today at the junket for THE WRESTLER in Beverly Hills.

We will post our entire video interview with Ms. Wood shortly and THE WRESTLER is easily one of the best films of the year.

But first, she gave us some casting information in regards to Marvel Entertainment’s SPIDER-MAN the musical that’s been in development for some time.

Wood told the IESB that she has been cast as MARY JANE in the musical and that rehearsals start in June of 2009. – from IESB