Evan Rachel Wood and Alan Cumming have joined the cast of "Spider-Man

NEW YORK (AP) — 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.

Taymor was the creative force behind "The Lion King," Disney's long-running musical, now in its second decade on Broadway. She will co-write the "Spider-Man" book with Glen Berger.

Taymor worked with Wood on the film "Across the Universe" and with Cumming on "The Tempest" and "Titus," both screen adaptations of Shakespeare plays.

"Evan is unique: she is a young actress with incredible depth for both serious and comic drama in films and theater, and on top of that, she has an extraordinary lyrical voice," Taymor said. As for Cumming, the director added: "He has such range and such charisma as a performer that I feel his Green Goblin will bring many surprises that will move and entertain us."

The story for the musical was inspired by the Marvel comic books hero — who's also inspired three hit movies — and will include the story of his origins as well as new material.

Other members of the show's production team include set designer George Tsypin, who did the sets for "The Little Mermaid" on Broadway; costume designer Eiko Ishioka; lighting designer Donald Holder of "The Lion King" and sound designer Jonathan Deans who has worked for Cirque du Soleil.


by the associated press