'Spider-Man' aims for mega-arenas abroad

The producers of "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark" are in Europe scouting arena-sized theaters for their show, confirms Rick Miramontez, spokesman for the $80-million mega-musical.

Although the threat of a nasty court battle with ousted creator Julie Taymor hangs over the fate of future productions, producers Michael Cohl and Jeremiah Harris are looking to expand the multimedia extravaganza into 10,000-seat arenas in London and Germany.

As reported first in Friday's New York Post, the plan acknowledges that the show is too expensive to make a profit in traditional houses.

Cohl, who has produced the "Spider-Man" composers U2 and other big pop acts in rock stadiums, intends to expand the special effects of the Broadway version.

Taymor was fired last March before the troubled, much-delayed, injury-plagued show opened in June. Despite mixed and negative reviews, the musical has been one of Broadway's biggest draws, grossing an average of $1.5 million a week.

Accusations and counter-accusations have been flying between Taymor and the producers. Earlier this month, a filing in federal court revealed private emails that Taymor believed will embarrass Bono, the Edge and her co-writer, Glen Berger.

Taymor is seeking more than $1 million in back pay and future royalties. The case is scheduled to go to trial in January. Cohl and Harris have filed a countersuit, claiming she was in breach of contract because she refused to make changes to the show.

In a settlement with the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, the producers agreed to pay Taymor almost $10,000 a week in royalties for the duration of the New York production.