'Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark' Spins Broadway History

OK, so the biggest web-slinger story of 2012 will inevitably end up being either the resurgent success or spectacular failure of Sony's Marvel reboot "The Amazing Spider-Man." That doesn't mean another adaptation won't end up leaving its own mark upon the franchise.

And to much amazement, "Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark" managed leaving that mark without it including trails of destroyed scenery and broken bones in the orchestra pit!

What once looked destined to become a Broadway bomb of quite literally historic proportions - seriously, before it opened, the rock musical co-penned by U2's Bono and The Edge was already the most expensive production with the longest preview period in The Great White Way's history - has somehow now become a roaring success. Following a New Year's Eve stunt that included the Green Goblin kidnapping CNN's Anderson Cooper (words I will probably never type again), the musical this past week shattered the record "Wicked" previously set in 2011 for the highest single-week gross. "Turn Off The Dark" hauled in a staggering $2,941,790.20, according to Entertainment Weekly.

"What a fantastic bit of news to kick off 2012," said Bono and Edge. "It just goes to show that you can't keep a good superhero down. We are raising our glasses to our indefatigable cast and crew, and the theatre-goers who watch them every night. Broadway is a very special place, we love being a small part of it."

So, let's recap.

Readings for the show began in 2007. It was oft delayed and by 2009, it was $25 million in debit with a $52-million budget with production suspended. By November 2010, costs were upwards of $65 million. The opening was pushed back from December 2010 to first January 2011, then February 2011 . . . then finally to June 14, 2011.

All the while, five people - two stunt people and three cast members - suffered broken bones and concussions during rehearsals and preview performances.

And now, it's known as a top-grossing production, and it's because of this.

We couldn't make this stuff up if we tried, folks.