Julie Taymor sues 'Spider-Man' producers

Theater director Julie Taymor, who was let go from "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark" in March when it was revamped following injury-plagued, poorly received previews, filed suit Tuesday in federal court in Manhattan, alleging the producers have yet to fully pay her for her work.

Charles Spada, Taymor's attorney, told Newsday in an email that the producers "have failed to compensate Ms. Taymor for their continued use of her work to date, though the show has consistently played to capacity or near-capacity houses" since previews began on Nov. 28.

He said Taymor -- who also co-wrote the original version of the much-overhauled show, which still retains much of her staging and ideas -- "continues to support the talented and hardworking cast and crew, and she remains proud of her creative work on the production for over seven years."

Taymor's complaint against producer Michael Cohl's 8 Legged Productions alleges that the show has continued to make use of her creative contributions without compensation.

The show's spokesman, Rick Miramontez, said, "Since Ms. Taymor's departure in March, we have repeatedly tried to resolve these issues. The production has indeed compensated Ms. Taymor for her contribution as a co-book writer. Fortunately the court system will provide, once and for all, an opportunity to resolve this dispute."

In June, the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society filed an arbitration claim against the producers on behalf of Taymor, charging the show owed her about $300,000 in royalties. An arbitration hearing was held earlier this month, though no outcome has been reported.