'Spider-Man' musical handed release date

The highly-anticipated Broadway musical based on the Spider-Man comics has been handed a release date.

Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark will debut at New York's Hilton Theatre on February 18, 2010, with preview performances beginning on January 16.

The $40 million production, which is thought to be the most expensive in Broadway history, will feature songs and lyrics by U2's Bono and The Edge.

"Spider-Man's battles will hurtle the audience through an original story both recognisable and unexpected - yielding new characters as well as familiar faces - until a final surprising confrontation casts a startling new light on this hero's journey," said the producers in a statement.

Tony Award-winning director Julie Taymor, who was responsible for the successful theatre run of The Lion King, will helm the show.

The Wrestler star Evan Rachel Wood has confirmed that she will play Spider-Man's love interest Mary-Jane Watson but no other casting decisions have been announced yet.

Workshops are scheduled to begin in the summer with full rehearsals slated to start in the autumn.