‘Spider-Man’ to bid farewell to Broadway on Saturday

On the heels of a winter storm that dumped several inches of snow in the New York area and pushed temperatures into the single digits, “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark” is looking to have a relatively subdued farewell when it officially closes at the Foxwoods Theatre on Saturday.

“Spider-Man” will shut its doors following Saturday evening’s performance, bringing to an end a troubled Broadway saga that saw cast injuries, the firing of director Julie Taymor and a rumored $75 million budget that would be the highest in Broadway history.

The musical, featuring songs by Bono and the Edge, began performances in late 2010 and will have played 1,065 performances by the time it closes. The production is widely seen to have fallen short of box-office expectations, having failed to recoup its investment.

“Spider-Man” had grossed more than $1 million on a weekly basis for much of its run, but box-office receipts started falling in August. The family-friendly show features high-wire acrobatics and complex stunts.

PHOTOS: Hollywood stars on stage

A spokesman for the production said that some former cast members are expected to attend the final performance of the musical on Saturday. Former leading man Reeve Carney and Green Goblin actor Patrick Page are scheduled to be in attendance, and there will be a private after-party.

It remains unclear whether key creative personnel including Bono and the Edge will attend. “Everyone is still scattered for the holidays,” said the spokesman.

The musical’s official website stated that all shows will proceed as scheduled this weekend despite the snow.

“Spider-Man,” which is based on the popular Marvel character, was the subject of a high-profile court battle that pitted Taymor against the show’s producers and other creative team members. Taymor claimed fraud for being fired and said that she wasn’t being properly compensated for the show. The parties eventually settled out of court.

The Broadway closure isn’t the end of the road for “Spider-Man.” A Las Vegas production of the musical is in the works, though no opening date has been announced. A separate arena tour is also being considered.

ALSO:

‘Spider-Man’ musical looks for fresh faces in Hollywood

Julie Taymor reaches settlement over ‘Spider-Man’ musical

‘Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark’ tell-all memoir: 5 juicy tidbits