U2’s Bono and The Edge are coming to the aid of their problem-plagued Broadway musical Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark.

The musicians, who wrote the score, will be visiting this month to “to do what they need to do”, said show spokesman Rick Miramontez. Up until now neither of them have been available to attend any performances because of touring commitments in New Zealand and Australia.

Their musical – the biggest in Broadway history – begins the New Year facing numerous challenges. Four actors from the production have been injured during previews, one of them seriously. There have been forced cancellations, frequent technical glitches and negative early assessments from critics.

Some theatre pundits question whether the troubled show can ever become a long-term success. Michael Riedel, a theatre columnist with the New York Post, is not optimistic.

My sense in covering Broadway over the years is that with very few exceptions, shows that get negative publicity in the beginning generally do so because they’re not really all that good,” he said. “I don’t think Spider-Man can overcome the publicity.”

via BBC News – Bono and The Edge to help Spider-Man musical