Christopher Tierney, 31, who fell at least 20 feet in the Broadway production, started taking his first steps Friday following back surgery Tuesday at Bellevue Hospital, according to Tim Tierney. Tim Tierney, who considers his son to be in stable condition in the ICU, said the actor will learn Monday when he may go home. “It’s like one big happy family,” said Tim Tierney. “I never got so many hugs from so many good-looking people in my entire life.” Jonathan Dealwis, a tourist from New Zealand who was in the audience that night, said he saw the actor fall. “Spider-Man was on a bridge, and Mary Jane was dangling from it,” Dealwis said. “I think he was meant to sort of swoop over there, but he just fell off…. The harness, you could see it just flick off his back and fly backward.” Workers for the show met with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the New York State Department of Labor and devised new safety rules for the show.

“Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark” resumed to mixed audience reviews and without accidents during its 35-plus aerial stunts, though one of the costumed and tethered “Spideys” flying over the audience nearly fell off a ledge and needed help from a stage hand to regain his footing. Four actor injuries and major delays before the November 28 start of preview performances have focused attention on the most expensive production in Broadway history, raising speculation that despite its star power the Julie Taymor-directed show could become an epic flop. N EW YORK — Spider-Man has been cleared for further leaps through the holiday weekend. Reeve Carney, center, who plays Spider-man in the theatrical version “Spider-man Turn off the Dark” is seen outside the Foxwoods Theatre in Times Square with Patrick Page, left, who plays The Green Goblin, Wednesday, Dec . 22, 2010, in New York. Bono is one of the world’s great philanthropists, speaking out for the oppressed, the sick and the poor. Some $400,000 in ticket sales were lost, The New York Times said. Director Julie Taymor ‘s production, which has been plagued with accidents  over the past few months of rehearsals and previews, resumed only after producers confirmed to the State Department of Labor that specific safety measures had been enacted, reports Reuters. But where’s Mr. Humanitarian when it comes to the disaster that’s “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark”? He was hospitalized and was in serious condition at a local hospital. “Spider-Man” flacks are regularly issuing statements about “safety being of paramount concern.” You’d think that since Bono is the biggest name associated with the show, he’d express some regret about what happened to the four actors on his payroll. Everybody’s looking for an accident to happen,” said Mark Infante, 53, a real estate developer who was disappointed with the show, especially the music. Jonathan Dealwis, a tourist from New Zealand who was in the audience that night, said he saw the actor fall.

“Spider-Man was on a bridge, and Mary Jane was dangling from it,” Dealwis said. “I’m a big U2 fan but I was not blown away,” said Greg Harden, 40, a real estate investor. Veteran producers say her career on Broadway is probably over. “They should have had more aerial stunts.

Taymor’s been issuing her own statements about the injuries at “Spider-Man,” saying she’s “heartbroken” and adding, “nothing is more important than safety.” But actors who’ve worked with her in the past are not surprised that, left to her own devices (as she’s been on “Spider-Man”), people are getting hurt. Tierney is an accomplished dancer who toured in Twyla Tharp ‘s “Movin’ Out,” and Kobak is identified in his biography as a singer-songwriter who has had understudy roles in “American Idiot,” “Tarzan” and Off-Broadway’s moderately high-flying “Fuerza Bruta.” “Josh went through numerous fly auditions and he was a natural,” said Rick Miramontez, spokesman for the show. “Her visual genius is such that it often comes at the expense of pragmatic concerns about stage safety,” says an actor who’s worked for her. “The show does not employ aerialists, just good dancers who know how to do this stuff.” Meanwhile Thursday, several members of the State Legislature got involved in the show’s ongoing turmoil, calling for more far-reaching safety measures. She insisted that actors in “The Lion King” rehearse in such heavy costumes that many wound up with chronic injuries. Actors’ Equity eventually stepped in and, after a two-year battle, forced the producer Disney to make lighter costumes. When one actor snapped, “You have taken the joy out of theater,” Taymor burst into tears.

Producers told the audience before Thursday’s performance that he had successful surgery and would start rehabilitation on Monday. In the same scene on Thursday, the costumed Spider-Man stood upright and further back from the edge.

After days of meetings about safety problems, the $65 million musical flew and danced and sang the way it was supposed to, considering that it is still a work in progress. Also, Natalie Mendoza, who suffered a concussion at the troubled-musical’s first preview Nov. 28, was out again Thursday reportedly on what a spokesman for the company called “vocal rest.” Mendoza was replaced by T.V. “It was like nothing you’ve ever seen in a Broadway show before,” said Rick Mars, who watched the show Thursday. Director Julie Taymor ‘s production, which has been plagued with accidents  over the past few months of rehearsals and previews, resumed only after producers confirmed to the State Department of Labor that specific safety measures had been enacted, reports Reuters.

Broadway’s much-troubled ‘Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark’ musical resumed performances on Thursday night with new safety protocols in place following Monday night’s accident when a stunt performer plunged 30 feet when a cable snapped during an aerial stunt the musical’s fourth accident since October.

No accidents or major delays in the show. The cast and crew was ecstatic.

“It was like nothing you’ve ever seen in a Broadway show before,” said Rick Mars, who watched the show Thursday.

“It’s a safer show now, show star Reeve Carney (right) said as he signed autographs after the performance. “The stunts were the highlight of the show, I mean the audience would go nuts every time they’d start flying over the audience.” During Monday night’s performance, 31-year-old actor Christopher Tierney fell at least 20 feet while performing a stunt. Then again, the show had been scheduled to go on last night and was canceled late in the day.

“It was always safe, but now it’s safer. “You know, anything is possible,” Assemblyman Rory Lancman (D-Queens) said after a midday news conference at the Foxwoods Theater. “We gave our blessing,” department spokesman Leo Rosales said. “If you weren’t nervous tonight, you’d have to be an idiot,” he said. “I think he was meant to sort of swoop over there, but he just fell off…. Tierney remains hospitalized with cracked ribs. The show’s director and co-writer, Julie Taymor, credited the show’s injured actor, Christopher Tierney, with inspiring the cast to rise above recent troubles. That second person will then be in contact with the stage manager to verify the measures have been completed. “We all got together before the show tonight and talked about Chris,” she told The Associated Press after the show. I felt even safer today considering all the measures they put in place following Monday.” Lancman said he doesn’t know whether the understudy filling Tierney’s costume was up to the job, but it’s an important question for producers to answer.

The show canceled its matinee performance on Wednesday in order to rehearse the new protocols. The show’s director and co-writer, Julie Taymor, says that Christopher Tierney, the actor recovering from his injuries after his scary fall this week, gets the credit with inspiring the cast to rise above recent troubles.

Spidey actor Christopher Tierney ‘s dad tells TMZ, the family was set to have Christmas at home before the tragic accident earlier this week but now they’re making arrangements to be with him at the hospital in NYC. But all’s not lost Tierney’s dad tells us, “Chris cannot wait to get back into the Spidey costume … It wont be as soon as he would like but … his spirits are high and he cannot wait to get back.” We’re told Christopher will remain in the ICU until Monday and then move on to rehab. “The stunts were the highlight of the show, I mean the audience would go nuts every time they’d start flying over the audience.” During Monday night’s performance, 31-year-old actor Christopher Tierney fell at least 20 feet while performing a stunt. Spider-Man returned to the stage without any apparent hitches Thursday, a day after two performances were canceled due to a scary fall that left a stuntman seriously injured. “The show is going on as planned,” a spokesman for the musical, Rick Miramontez, said. “Spider-Man was on a bridge, and Mary Jane was dangling from it,” Dealwis said. Spider-Man producer Michael Cohl addressed Tierney’s recovery before the start of the Dec. 23 show, telling the audience the stuntman, who was hospitalized to undergo back surgery, “came through with flying colors.” The show made a smooth return, with the aerial stunts reportedly inciting enthusiastic applause from the packed house. It was beautiful to see everyone come together tonight.” Also all smiles was producer Michael Cohl. The harness, you could see it just flick off his back and fly backward.” Afterward, Dealwis said, “it just went black, and the producer came on and said we’re going to pause for a moment. “I feel great.” Before the $65 million show could resume Thursday with its nearly 40 aerial stunts intact, producers had to give final confirmation to the state Department of Labor that they had enacted certain safety measures.

The show’s director and co-writer, Julie Taymor , credited the show’s injured actor, Christopher Tierney , with inspiring the cast to rise above recent troubles. I felt even safer today considering all the measures they put in place following Monday.” “Chris gave us the spirit tonight.” Tierney, doing a stunt as Spider-Man on Monday night, plunged from a ledge about 30 feet into a stage pit despite a safety harness that should have prevented the spill. The accident occurred during one of the show’s safer stunts. He underwent back surgery and was “walking today,” Taymor said happily. “He says he wants to come back to the show, soon-ish.” Tierney was to be released from a hospital Friday or Saturday and complete his recovery at home in New Hampshire , said his brother Patrick Tierney, of Plaistow, N.H. State officials on Thursday held a press conference outside the Foxwoods Theatre to keep the focus on the show’s safety issues, saying that though it had made strides in fixing some problems it still needed to increase training for understudies and possibly hire more stagehands. “They could have made the story more clear and compelling,” he said. Ticketholder Victoria Shaw-Locknar, who was attending Thursday’s show with her daughters Ruby, 11, and Ava, 9, said she was nervous because she didn’t want to see anyone get hurt. His father, Troy Oechsner, was a little more mixed, admiring the stunts but echoing complaints that some had about a confusing plot, especially in the second act.

But she figured that producers must have worked out the kinks.

After days of meetings about safety problems, the $65 million musical flew and danced and sang the way it was supposed to, considering that it is still a work in progress. Also, Natalie Mendoza, who suffered a concussion at the troubled-musical’s first preview Nov. 28, was out again Thursday reportedly on what a spokesman for the company called “vocal rest.” Mendoza was replaced by T.V. Rory Lancman, chairman of the subcommittee on workplace safety, at a news conference outside the theater at noon. After undergoing back surgery, the 31-year-old lead stunt double for Spider-Man remained in the hospital Thursday in serious condition with injuries that included broken ribs and internal bleeding. Eric Adams (D-Prospect Heights), also at the news conference, announced he is proposing a bill that would call for the formation of a task force to analyze the safety of workers and audience members at the Foxwoods Theatre, where the show is appearing, and presumably other Broadway theaters, though the details have not been fully hashed out, he said. Rate this: (Click to rate)

On Broadway, bad press doesn’t necessarily spell failure, and the struggling “Spider-Man” musical is still luring tourists and theater goers into seats as it deals with persistent technical problems. The ambitious, high-tech $65 million musical the most expensive Broadway show ever has endured four delays in its opening and four injuries to its cast. And Broadway, perhaps more than any other entertainment genre, has a history of overcoming bad reviews and turning profits for tourist-friendly, big-budget shows. The production’s opening night, (previously set for January 11, 2011) is still set to Monday, February 7. Seth Gelblum, an entertainment lawyer who represents the show’s director and co-creator Julie Taymor, as well as three major financiers, said investors were not jittery and predicted the key audience, tourists, would not be turned off. Several shows have been canceled as a result. Among the new rules enacted are a requirement to have a second stagehand and stage manager to back up all of the show’s 38 stunts involving harnesses and ropes. Still, some industry watchers predict the demise of “Spider-Man,” including New York Post columnist Michael Riedel, who said that even when the acrobatics work, the show suffers from a lack of leadership, a confusing story and bad music.

This bullied science-geek suddenly endowed with incredible powers soon learns, however, that with great power comes great responsibility as villains put both his physical strength and strength of character to the test. “And it seems that … all of the different employees, all of the regulatory agencies are, and the theater itself, seem to be confident that all the necessary conditions have been met to make sure that today’s show goes forward safely.” State officials and producers agreed to a long list of safety improvements Wednesday in the wake of Monday night’s accident. Before the show could resume Thursday, producers had to give final confirmation to the state Department of Labor that they had enacted certain safety measures aimed at avoiding any further mishaps. In front of a horrified audience, lead aerialist Chris Tierney, 31, plummeted 30 feet during the show’s climax. “We’re sold out until Jan. 2,” a ticket seller told a steady stream of buyers.

Some folks had tickets already but wanted to check that the evening’s show would go on as planned, since both Wednesday’s matinee and evening performance had been canceled. “If they are not comfortable and haven’t got everything in place, we have agreed that they wouldn’t go, and so apparently that is the position that they are in right now.” As of now, “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark” preview performances will proceed as planned on Thursday (December 23), and the official Broadway opening date has been pushed back from January 11 to February 7. “They gave us a number to call later, just to make sure,” said Mike Foux, of Allentown, Pa. An avid Spider-Man fan since childhood, he had come to New York to see the show with his wife, Patti, and 20-year-old daughter, Jessie, for his birthday. “I was thinking, with four accidents happening, there must be some truly amazing stunts,” Foux said. That’s what worried another ticketholder, Victoria Shaw-Locknar, who was attending Thursday’s show with her daughters Ruby, 11, and Ava, 9. I think the world press has focused on ‘Spider-Man’ because the show is on the brink of absolute catastrophe every night.” Riedel believes the show will be closed and even if not, he sees a hard road ahead to make money given its huge cost. While many Broadway shows expect to recoup their initial investment within the first 12 months, “Spider-Man” would take several years, making it a riskier proposition than most.

Spidey, they insist, will take flight again. Three days after a stunt man was seriously injured during a preview performance, officials with the state and the actors union said it appears “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark” will return to Broadway tonight. Today we learn that after a thorough investigation, the accident was ruled a matter of “human error” and the show has been given the green light to resume performances starting tonight . “Spider-Man” is the most challenging musical production in the history of Broadway. Actors’ Equity Association, the labor union representing American actors and stage managers in the theatre, released its third statement Dec. 21, following the Dec. 20 injury of actor Christopher Tierney in the new musical Spider-Man Turn Off the Dark at the Foxwoods Theatre … The statement reads, “Actors’ Equity Association worked today with the Department of Labor, OSHA and the production to determine that the cause of the accident at last night’s performance of Spiderman was, in fact, human error. Tierney plunged about 30 feet into a stage pit. Among the new rules enacted are a requirement to have a second stagehand and stage manager to back up all of the show’s 38 stunts involving harnesses and ropes. Meanwhile, no definitive word on what caused his accident.

“Spider-Man Turn of the Dark”, the costliest show on Broadway history, is currently on previews and has a new revised opening date of February 7, 2011, postponed just days before the latest accident. Previews are expected to resume Thursday, December 23rd.   Pictures taken on Wednesday, December 22nd, at both entrances of the Foxwoods Theater, on 42nd and 43rd Streets in New York City.   For some photos of the cast, go to. http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-524843 Reuters reported that following the meetings, new safety procedures were put into place in an attempt to avoid the kind of accident that injured 31-year-old aerialist Christopher Tierney . Actors’ Equity Association, the labor union representing American actors and stage managers in the theatre, released its third statement Dec. 21, following the Dec. 20 injury of actor Christopher Tierney in the new musical Spider-Man Turn Off the Dark at the Foxwoods Theatre … The statement reads, “Actors’ Equity Association worked today with the Department of Labor, OSHA and the production to determine that the cause of the accident at last night’s performance of Spiderman was, in fact, human error. Equity continues to vigilantly monitor the production for the safety of its members.” Director Julie Taymor , who has been ceaselessly championing her embattled show thruout all of its increasingly public problems, issued a statement regarding this latest accident: “An accident like this is obviously heartbreaking for our entire team and, of course, to me personally. As for Tierney, he’s recovering from broken ribs and internal bleeding. The safety tether that clips to his back failed to prevent the spill. So … the Little Spider that Could keeps on singing, dancing and flyin’ around on his merry way in the hopes of salvaging a $65 million dollar project that still, IMHO, seems doomed to failure.

“Nothing is more important than the safety of our Spider-Man family and we’ll continue to do everything in our power to protect the cast and crew.” Cox said the investigation into what caused Tierney to fall and whether there were any safety codes broken is ongoing. This is good news for fans (like me) who really want to see the show before it closes … but is potentially bad news for the Spider-Man players who continue to put themselves in harm’s way just to put on a Broadway musical. “He has a strong body and an amazing attitude.” His accident was the fourth injury to occur in the already-troubled production. “He has a strong body and an amazing attitude.” Tierney, who was leaving for New York later Wednesday to visit his brother, said Christopher Tierney’s injury has been very hard on the family. I am so thankful that Chris is going to be alright and is in great spirits.

“An accident like this is obviously heartbreaking for our entire team and, of course, to me personally,” said Tony-winning director Julie Taymor in a statement. “I am so thankful that Chris is going to be all right and is in great spirits. OSHA has investigated other theater incidents in New York City, but none in recent history appeared to be related to incidents that occurred during the actual production, a spokesman said. Its official opening has been postponed twice, to early February. The huge costs a 41-member cast, 18 orchestra members, complicated sets and 27 daring aerial stunts, including a battle between two characters over the audience mean the 1,928-seat theater will have to virtually sell out every show for several years just to break even.

“Accidents are horrible but they happen on every show,” Page told the Associated Press . “I’ve been at this a long time, and everyone else has. I have faith that it’ll go forward,” he said. Labor officials worked at the Foxwoods Theatre on Wednesday with producers of the show, saying that a second person will be required to check whether harnesses are properly put in place. He has been recovering from broken ribs and internal bleeding at NYC’s Bellevue Hospital. During Monday’s performance, 31-year-old Christopher Tierney fell at least 20 feet and was hospitalized. Earlier, Broadway actor Adam Pascal called for the prosecution of the show’s director, Julie Taymor, because of a series of recent mishaps, including Tierney’s injury.

Wednesday’s preview performances of the Spider-Man Broadway musical were called off after a stunt man injured his back falling 30ft into a stage pit. The much-anticipated production, teaming “Lion King” creator Julie Taymor with songwriters Bono and The Edge of U2, has had a rocky route to Broadway. The official opening night has been pushed back to 7 February after a series of glitches and injuries. Tierney’s brother, Patrick Tierney, said his brother was undergoing back surgery Wednesday, was expected to be released from the hospital Friday or Saturday and would complete is recovery at home in New Hampshire. The show – which features 38 separate moves in which actors are put in harnesses to take to the air – has been beset with problems, including a lead actor suffering injury during a preview show. The announcement that Wednesday night’s sold-out performance wouldn’t take place came just three hours before showtime at the Foxwoods Theatre. Wednesday’s matinee performance had been canceled earlier. As unhappy as they are with the “Spider-Man” production, he credits it with getting his brother “in the best shape of his life” before the accident. “At this point we are satisfied they have put in place the appropriate controls,” said Maureen Cox, director of safety and health for the state Department of Labor. It has a 41-member cast, 18 orchestra members and has several complicated sets. The musical has 38 separate moves in which actors are put in harnesses to go up in the air. Initially, only the Wednesday matinee performance was postponed after the incident, and performances were to resume Wednesday evening.

If he didn’t land on his feet, he wouldn’t be with us,” said Patrick, 24, of Plaistow, N.H. “He has a strong body and an amazing attitude.” Patrick said Christopher’s injury has been very hard on the family. “I have spoken with him, and he’s in as good spirits as he can be,” Patrick said. OSHA has investigated other theater incidents in New York City, but none in recent history appeared to be related to incidents that occurred during the actual production, a spokesman said. “We’re also making sure that the actors and the stagehands know that if everything is not right, they can say, `We’re not going to go,’” Cox said. “Nothing is more important than the safety of our Spider-Man family,” Taymor told The Hollywood Reporter in a statement on Tuesday.

During Monday’s performance, 31-year-old Christopher Tierney fell at least 20 feet and was hospitalized. Earlier, Broadway actor Adam Pascal called for the prosecution of the show’s director, Julie Taymor, because of a series of recent mishaps, including Tierney’s injury. The state Labor Department says it is satisfied that producers of the troubled Broadway musical had made the adjustments to prevent a repeat of this week’s serious injury of a stunt double in a fall. There’s been a lot of negative press about Julie Taymor’s Broadway musical “Spider-man: Turn Off the Dark,” after a fourth castmember, aerialist and stunt double Christopher Tierney , was injured during a preview performance on Monday. Pascal later recanted the comments, saying, “I think some of you missed the intended humor in my post, although my anger is real, I don’t think anyone should sue Bono and the Edge you dummy! Labor officials worked at the Foxwoods Theatre on Wednesday with producers of the show, saying that a second person will be required to check whether harnesses are properly put in place. A spokesperson for the show made a statement on Tuesday and the Actors’ Equity Association spoke to MTV News about the show’s streak of injuries . The show’s Tony-winning director, Julie Taymor, said when reached on her cellphone at the Foxwoods Theatre that she couldn’t talk because of the rehearsal. Asked if authorities had given “Spider-Man” the go-ahead to resume performances, she said, “I think so.” State Department of Labor spokesman Leo Rosales said the safety inspection at the theater was completed early Wednesday afternoon. He denied media reports that the show was closed indefinitely. The show has been in previews for a month, and its official Broadway opening has twice been postponed. It is now set for early February. Tierney’s brother told The Associated Press that Tierney underwent back surgery.

The fourth accident came Monday night, when Christopher W. In a letter to lead producer Michael Cohl, Lancman expressed “grave concern about the recurring safety problems” at the technically complex musical. He asked for a meeting to discuss the “danger to actors, theater employees and audience members,” which he said have reached “unacceptable levels,” and said the subcommittee is contemplating a hearing on the safety issues. It is now in previews; opening date was expected to be in February. “The production company has indicated to us that the actors are encouraged to tell if they don’t feel safe or don’t feel prepared to go,” said Cox. Cox said the investigation is continuing into what went wrong in Tierney’s accident and who is to blame. Philip Smith , president of the Shubert Organization , which is not involved in the show, told Newsday that he is rooting for it on several levels. If he didn’t land on his feet, he wouldn’t be with us,” said Patrick, 24, of Plaistow, N.H. “He has a strong body and an amazing attitude.” Patrick said Christopher’s injury has been very hard on the family. “Aside from my honest human emotion, I don’t believe its failure would be good for the industry.” Ticket holders for the canceled matinee and evening performances who purchased tickets through Ticketmaster will be automatically refunded and should contact the agency to buy tickets for another performance at the same price with similar locations. Wednesday’s matinee was the only performance canceled due to Tierney’s injury.

The union did not give details on the error, but the group said it worked with the other agencies to develop a safety plan to address the issue. Initially, only the Wednesday matinee performance was postponed after the incident, and performances were to resume Wednesday evening.

Ticketholders for Wednesday’s show will be offered a refund. Separately on Wednesday, a state assemblyman called on producers to producers to bring in an independent safety expert to evaluate the show’s aerial stunts and remove the show’s final sequence. New York Broadway actor Adam Pascal has called for the prosecution of the director of the musical “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark” after a series of accidents, including the hospitalization of an actor who fell at least 20 feet during Monday night’s performance. However, Wednesday’s (December 22) show was canceled because they show suffered yet another setback in the form of yet another injury to a cast member .

It’s getting ugly out there. Jacob Cohl A state lawmaker wants producers overhaul the safety standards of ‘Spider-Man’ or cancel future performances of the Broadway musical. At Monday’s performance, Tierney, a stuntman for several different characters in the show, including the title character, fell into the orchestra pit late in the show. Pascal later recanted the comments, saying “I think some of you missed the intended humor in my post, although my anger is real, I don’t think anyone should sue Bono and the Edge you dummy! It appears that his harness was not attached properly and a safety wire snapped, although the prime cause of the accident still is being investigated. On Monday, a fourth actor was injured in the production, when a “Spider-Man” stunt double fell more than 20 feet off a platform, injuring several ribs. Also read: Broadway Star on ‘Spider-Man’ ‘Does Someone Have to Die?’ Here’s a look at “Spider-Man”s’ whole tumultuous history. She had only just returned to the show when the latest accident occurred. August 2009: Work suspended a month due to cash-flow problems . Although early reports said Tierney had broken ribs and internal bleeding, the dancer’s brother, Patrick Tierney, told The Associated Press that he would undergo back surgery Wednesday. The price tag at this point reportedly sits at $25 million.

The album, while not entirely miserable, was definitely way off the beaten path for U2, and their record label refused to release it under their name. Pascal added that he hopes Tierney sues Taymor as well as Bono and The Edge from the rock band U2 , who are investors and composers of the show’s music. “Does someone have to die?” tweeted Tony Award-winner Alice Ripley. Cohl previously oversaw a $30 million musical adaptation of “The Lord of the Rings” that bombed spectacularly, never reaching Broadway. Opinions about previews are considered off limits, except in chat rooms, while work is being done on the show. Tierney has been listed in serious condition, Bellevue Hospital spokesman Steven Bohlen said.

Jeremy Gerard, theater critic and culture news editor of Bloomberg News , says his intention was “proprietary information.” Scott Brown, theater critic at New York magazine, said, “At this point, I am planning to wait until the opening. But then Bono decided to rap a little bit, which torpedoed an otherwise excellent musical moment. I don’t see the point in reviewing a show that isn’t frozen.” Theater people have no such hesitation. July 21, 2010: Choreography rehearsals start, with full cast rehearsals kicking off on Aug. 16. “Achieving workplace safety can’t be a process of trial and error, and they’ve been trying and erring for several months now,” Mr. Lancman said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. In addition to asking for the removal of a sequence known as “The Net” and for the use of an independent safety inspector, Mr. Lancman’s letter calls for the show to shorten the tether that is supposed to prevent the stunt doubles from free-falling, to increase rehearsal time for the understudies performing aerial or tethered sequences and to introduce flying seminars for performers.

Press representatives for the show have not identified the actor, but The New York Times is reporting that an an actress in the show tweeted well-wishes to a fellow castmember named “Chris.” The Times confirmed that a patient named Christopher Tierney, who is one of the show’s aerialists, was admitted to Bellevue Hospital Center on Monday night. It has been in previews since November 28 after being pushed back numerous times, including four times during 2010. Broadway’s beleaguered Spider-Man musical has been hit with another setback – a preview performance was cancelled mid-show on Monday after an actor playing the superhero was injured on stage. Some equipment also fell into the audience when the fall happened.   Spider-Man Opening Officially Delayed Until Feb. 7   “He fell several feet from a platform approximately seven minutes before the end of the performance, and the show was stopped,” a statement from the musical said. It also appears to be one of its most cursed. Rocky Start for ‘Spider-Man’ Musical The accident reportedly occured during a scene in which Spider-Man rescues his leading lady, Mary Jane, as she is suspended from a bridge. It’s a show that has Broadway buzzing, but for all the wrong reasons, CBS News correspondent Elaine Quijano observed on “The Early Show.” “60 Minutes”: A Peek At Spider-Man, The Musical In the closing minutes of Monday night’s performance, “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark” once again shocked its audience after an actor portraying the superhero took a terrible fall. Jonathan Dealwis, a tourist from New Zealand who was in the audience, told CNN the actor portraying Spider-Man fell “about six meters,” or about 20 feet. It’s believed that one of the tethers holding the stunt double broke and he fell more than 30 feet to the pit below. This morning, the actor has been identified as aerialist  Christopher Tierney , who is reported to be in stable condition.  Fellow actress, Natalie Mendoza, who herself received a concussion in the show  wrote on her Twitter  after 4am in response: “Please pray with me for my friend Chris, my superhero who quietly inspires me everyday with his spirit.

“You heard a woman screaming and sobbing.”   The actor is the fourth performer to be hurt working on the Julie Taymor-directed musical, which involves many complex aerial stunts.   The production has also been plagued with technical issues and, at $65 million and counting, is the most expensive Broadway show in history. The production was immediately halted and the unnamed star was taken to New York’s Bellevue Hospital for treatment. “You heard a woman screaming and sobbing.” Random Notes: Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder, And More A blog post from another audience member described the post-accident chaos: “The music stopped, an announcement was made that show was going to ‘pause’ and you could hear people beneath the stage in a panic. A light in my heart went dim tonight.” BroadwayWorld  was the first to report  on the incident as we spoke to an audience member who was there, and told us that the incident occurred near the end of the show when the bridge comes down with MJ suspended in the air and Spider-Man goes after her. In a little over a month, one actress suffered a concussion, while two other actors were injured during a flying sequence, one breaking his wrist. Caldwell said nine stunt men perform Spider-Man’s stunts when the character is masked, but did not confirm who the injured performer is. Director Julie Taymor says it’s all part of the creative process. Dealwis said the accident happened near the end of the show. As everyone funneled out to the street, two ambulances were already on the scene. A few moments later, Spidey came out on a stretcher, awake and talking, which was good news.” Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark producer Michael Cohl told Rolling Stone last week that the delays were for “a culmination of reasons.

Monday’s night performance was stopped short after an unidentified performer either the actor playing the title character or his stunt double fell about eight to 10 feet during the final moments of the show, the New York Times reported. Some equipment also fell into the audience when the fall happened. Rick Miramontez, a spokesman for the show, said in a statement that the actor fell several feet from a platform, and the show was stopped. The identity of the actor couldn’t be determined, but the fire department spokesman said the actor is 31 years old. “All signs were good as he was taken to the hospital for observation,” Miramontez said. Jonathan Dealwis, a tourist from New Zealand who was in the audience, told CNN the actor portraying Spider-Man fell “about six meters,” or about 18 feet. A spokesman for the show told the New York Times ‘ Arts Beat blog that the injured actor, who was taken to Bellevue Hospital to get checked out, is not Spidey himself, Reeve Carney . “An actor sustained an injury at tonight’s performance of Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark ,” the rep said. Last month, it delayed previews again, to Nov. 28, and bumped the Dec. 21 opening to Jan. 11 to allow for more rehearsal time. All signs were good as he was taken to the hospital for observation. The show recently received more scrutiny when a lead actress, Natalie Mendoza, became the third performer to suffer an injury when she sustained a concussion in an offstage accident. “She drops down, as is meant to happen. I think he was meant to sort of swoop over there, but he just fell off. …

“You heard a woman screaming and sobbing.” The actor is the fourth performer to be hurt working on the Julie Taymor -directed musical, which involves many complex aerial stunts.

The production has also been plagued with technical issues and, at $65 million and counting, is the most expensive Broadway show in history.

Producers have pushed the official first night back to 7 February to allow the cast and crew more time to prepare. “It has become clear that we need to give the team more time to fully execute their vision,” lead producer Michael Cohl said in a statement. Since shows are typically reviewed only after they open, the delay allows the most expensive show in Broadway history nearly an extra month of performances before critics arrive. Producers of the Broadway musical pushed the official opening from January 11 to February 7, deciding they need to work out more kinks before allowing critics to weigh in. The official opening was pushed back 27 days, from Jan. 11 to Feb. 7, because a key actor has missed several previews due to injury and after producers decided that the creative team needs to work out more kinks before allowing critics to weigh in. Due to some unforeseeable setbacks, most notably the injury of a principal cast member, it has become clear that we need to give the team more time to fully execute their vision,” lead producer Michael Cohn says in a statement.

More than eight years in the making, delays and money woes have plagued the show’s launch. ” Spider-Man Turn Off the Dark is an extremely ambitious undertaking, as everyone knows, and I have no intention of cutting a single corner in getting to the finish line.” Actress Natalie Mendoza returned to the production on Wednesday after being injured during a preview on Dec. 2. This is the third time the more than $60 million technically complex production has delayed its opening night. In addition, three accidents have injured actors, including one who had both his wrists broken while practicing an aerial stunt. Her injury would eventually keep her sidelined for two weeks. But he said the producers simply don’t want to open the show when it’s not ready. A spokesman for the show would not disclose which elements of the musical still need work. It has a 41-member cast, 18 orchestra members, several complicated sets and 27 daring aerial stunts.

According to U2 bandmates Bono and The Edge, who composed the production’s score, that’s because comic books and rock and roll music are a natural fit. “There’s always been a thing with punk rock bands and comics,” Bono told MTV News during an interview last week. But, “It went much better last night than expected,” said producer Michael Cohl. “You see it in Roy Lichtenstein’s work, all the pop artists’ work; they all sample from comics.” Featuring high-flying stunts and a multitude of moving set pieces that put the audience in the middle of the action when Spider-Man battles Green Goblin, Carnage and the rest of the show’s villains , “Turn Off the Dark” is treading new ground. It survived only a year before closing. “We don’t want to see him in harm’s way.” Mr. Abdo flew from Minneapolis to New York on Monday to see the second preview, slated for Wednesday, in what he called a long-planned gesture of support for Mr. Carney. He said he was confident in the musical’s overall safety, but added that Mr. Carney is an actor and rock singer—not a stunt man—and he wanted to take a look at the conditions under which his client is working.

“We don’t really know what to call it, because there are so many aspects to it,” he explained. “There’s some uncharted territory in this,” he said. I think that’s what it is.” The Edge acknowledged a similar difficulty in comparing “Turn Off the Dark” with anything that came before it. “It is elements of rock and roll, it’s elements of circus, it’s elements of opera, of musical theater,” he said. “We’re comfortable with what we’ve seen, so at this point we don’t have plans to return back to view any more maneuvers,” Mr. Rosales said. “It is so many different things, and when we started the process, we promised we’d do something that hasn’t been done before. And really, we, I think, have managed to do that.” Check out everything we’ve got on “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark.” For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.

Lead Reeve Carney and actress Natalie Mendoza were suspended at different times over the crowd as flying stunts went wrong, audience members said. The New York Times said the $65m (£41.8m) show was stopped five times and ran for more than three hours. At the first preview for the $65 million Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark musical last night, there was missing scenery, an actor stuck to an aerial harness, and faulty equipment, as well as hecklers, and overhead stage wires dropping on audience members.

Jacob Cohl A stunt man descends from the ceiling of the Foxwoods Theater, where characters in ‘Spider-Man’ often fly above the audience. More recently, a keenly-anticipated stage production of The Lord of the Rings, which came soon after the enormously successful film trilogy, fizzled out disappointingly. We came within just inches of getting through the entire second half without a stop. It does not officially open until January 11, and while previews generally are a time for shows to fix problems, most do not experience as many glitches as “Spider-Man.” Bono and The Edge, as well as director Julie Taymor who was the U2 bandmates only choice to helm the musical have said recently that they expected the show to experience technical problems in the beginning. Taymor has said the show’s high cost is due to the complex and unprecedented two dozen flying sequences.

He said he was confident in the musical’s overall safety, but added that Mr. Carney is an actor and rock singer—not a stunt man—and he wanted to take a look at the conditions under which his client is working.

Perhaps it’s because the pair relate to the characters in the comic book world so well.

Associated Press NEW YORK — Spider-Man’s web has gotten tangled on Broadway. Several delays and at least two actors who were left helplessly dangling from cables high in the air marred the first preview of the mega-musical “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark.” According to published reports, Sunday night’s performance of the reported $65 million show ran over three hours because flying tricks went wrong and the production had to stop at least five times. And though Spidey’s debut on Broadway wasn’t exactly spectacular , that doesn’t mean U2 bandmates Bono and The Edge have anything but high praise for the mesh of comics and rock music found in “Turn Off The Dark.” In an interview conducted last week, the musicians elaborated on the connections between rock music and graphic novels, and the various ways they’re describing the ambitious collaboration between themselves and “Turn Off The Dark” director Julie Taymor. The Broadway League said that single performance grossed $200,605 from a sold-out crowd of 1,928. The majority of the publicity the musical has gotten stems from its constant delays, the bloated budget, and even a death! At various points, overhead stage wires dropped on the audience, scenery appeared on stage missing pieces and the show’s star was even left swaying helplessly over them midair during what was supposed to be the climatic end to the first act. But all of those “difficulties” have not been worked out yet as the show reportedly had to be stopped five times on Sunday during stunt work that had actors suspended in the air with harnesses. But the ambitious, technically complex production began 24 minutes late, and then went downhill from there. Not only was this the first preview performance, but it was the cast and crews first run through of the show. As in, they didn’t rehearse!

“The show is like a graphic novel, but a three-dimensional one,” he said. Specifically, each of the producers said in separate interviews, Mr. Jungwirth asked if they had productions in the works that might be a future fit for the Foxwoods Theater and asked them to keep the 1,932-seat theater in mind as they developed or optioned productions for Broadway. The spider is the radioactive arachnid that bites Peter Parker, giving the photographer his superhuman Spider-Man powers.

“I’m calling it a pop-up, pop-art opera… because I’m pretentious. Each of the producers noted that Mr. Jungwirth was reaching out as a newcomer to running a major theater, which was customary. Parker’s love interest, Mary Jane, was supposed to be saved from atop the Chrysler Building. Each also said that Mr. Jungwirth, when asked about the potential longevity of “Spider-Man,” did not offer any hard predictions and referred to the producers’ hopes for a healthy run. The leaders of “Spider-Man,” like the lead producer, Michael Cohl, and the director, Julie Taymor, have been straightforward in acknowledging that the show is a gamble given its high costs and technical complexity. Instead, Spider-Man got stuck in midair and swung back and forth over the crowd as three stagehands leaped up and down futilely trying to grab onto one of his feet to haul him back to earth. To me, it seems as if they’ve been throwing a lot of bad money after good money,” said Filichia, who has charted other theatrical embarrassments in his book “Broadway Musicals: The Biggest Hit and the Biggest Flop of the Season — 1959 to 2009.” “I can’t say that this strikes me as something that was wise, but history is littered with fools who just had to continue even when they knew that they were doomed, hoping that as long as they were in the race some miracle could happen that could save them. There may be a miracle that does save them,” he said.

“There will be no delays in performance schedule,” a spokesman told The Hollywood Reporter . “Previews will continue as planned.” He added: “The cast and crew were thrilled to play the show in front of their first audience last night.” The most expensive stage production of all time – at $65 million, it’s twice as much as the runner-up Shrek the Musical – ran over three-and-a-half hours in its first Sunday preview and stopped at least five times times as actors dangled from cables with flying tricks gone wrong, according to reports. After multiple delays, “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark” arrived on the Great White Way Sunday night amid a series of technical snafus that marred the much-hyped musical, which officially opens on January 11. The event marks the first time that a paying public audience was able to experience the long-delayed stage musical. An aerial-stunt mishap earlier this month injured one of the actors and caused a two-week postponement of the opening performance. More than eight years in the making, delays and injuries have plagued the show’s debut. The show’s creators, too, share much in common with the web-slinging wonderboy. Once the actor was disentagled, an intermission was called. Carney was supposed to soar over the audience toward a balcony across the theater, but stopped after traveling just a few yards — and stayed there, suspended above the front rows. The intermission lasted for more than half an hour, causing the audience to clap in unison. But in the age of Twitter and blogging, and with huge interest revolving around the first preview, there was no way that the producers were going to keep chatter at bay until opening night on 11 January. The second act suffered just one delay, but it led an audience member to call out, “I feel like a guinea pig today — I feel like it’s a dress rehearsal.” Her comment was met with boos. Nonetheless, The New York Times wrote that most of the show’s stunts “went off without a hitch, with children and some adults squealing in delight.” The New York Post was less charitable in its report, calling the show an “epic flop as the $65 million show’s high-tech gadgetry went completely awry amid a dull score and baffling script.” Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark ‘s official opening is scheduled for Jan. 11, 2011.

The comparisons don’t end there. One woman reportedly catcalled: “I don’t know how everyone else feels, but I feel like a guinea pig today I feel like it’s a dress rehearsal.” She was met with boos.  

Last night’s opening pre view of Broadway’s most expensive production ever, “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark,” was an epic flop as the $65 million show’s high-tech gadgetry went completely awry amid a dull score and baffling script, theatergoers griped. Stunned audience members were left scratching their heads over the confusing plot when they weren’t ducking for cover from falling equipment and dangling actors at the Foxwoods Theatre on West 42nd Street, some said. At various points, overhead stage wires dropped on the audience, scenery appeared on stage missing pieces and the show’s star was even left swaying helplessly over them midair during what was supposed to be the climatic end to the first act. It opened with Taymor’s personal creation, the eight-legged female character Arachne, taking the stage. After a year-long delay, on-set injuries and a ballooning budget of $65 million, ” Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark ” staged its first public preview Sunday night. The show doesn’t open for 6 weeks however and tonight was indeed reportedly the first time that it was run complete from beginning to end so there is no word on what’s in store as far as changes, tweaks and cuts but stay tuned! A pageant of Taymor imagery. SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark began preview performances on Broadway on Sunday, November 28, 2010, at 6:30 p.m. Parker’s love interest, Mary Jane, was supposed to be saved from atop the Chrysler Building. Opening Night is now set for Tuesday evening, January 11, 2011. But part of the building was missing, and Mary Jane was no where in sight. Director Julie Taymor  said:’ I’m just relieved we got through it .There were stoppages yes,  but that’s what the previews are for.’ Not everyone shared that view, however, with one couple asking for their tickets to be refunded after four stoppages in Act One.

A fifth stop an hour into Act II caused some theatergoers to walk out. All of the villains looked horrible. This bullied science-geek suddenly endowed with incredible powers soon learns, however, that with great power comes great responsibility as villains put both his physical strength and strength of character to the test. Page finally started vamping it up for grateful audience members, riffing on the tune, “I’ll Take Manhattan.” “This is the best part of the whole show,” grumbled theatergoer Steve Poizner of California. That whole love thing with Arachne made no sense whatsoever. The production dragged on for nearly 3½ hours. “I was pleasantly surprised.” The celebration on the Great White Way was a long time coming. That date came and went and the opening night of Dec. 21 had to be put off until next January. In its last 10 minutes, the show was completely stopped for at least half that time to work out kinks. “I don’t know about the rest of you, but I feel like a guinea pig tonight!” one woman angrily shouted out from her orchestra seat during the down time.