Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark injuries continue: First, Natalie Mendoza, who plays Arachne, was hit on the head by a rope at the first preview and suffered a concussion that put her out for about a week. Not too long after that, Kevin Aubin, an aerialist, broke both his wrists in November during a presentation, and then, in a separate incident, while rehearsing the show, another actor broke his foot.
Following the news about the musical being delayed yet again, there are a plethora of news reports are coming in about yet another accident, this time involving a major scene. It happened during the middle of second act when a cable was reported as to have snapped. The as-yet unidentified actor fell into the pit in front of the stage, which is about twenty feet down. Reports from the scene claim audience members heard screaming, followed by a shout for someone to call 911. The show was eventually canceled.
BroadwayWorld spoke to an eyewitness about the accident. “The person taken away was the person playing Spider-Man at the time. He tried to get up and stagehands told him not to move.” The witness went on to saying, “I was in the audience and I’m an NY EMT. Although I am not involved with the care of the patient they didn’t use a back-board and collar so they don’t suspect spinal injury.”
The show’s producers were not immediately available for comment.
December 20th, 2010 at 11:07 pm
said it on CBR when the last story broke, this thing should probably be canceled before someone gets killed.
December 21st, 2010 at 8:06 am
There’s ambition…and then there’s stupidity. Surely Marvel has to release that the theatre “tech” just isn’t there yet to meet their ambitions. I agree with artiepants, they need to pull the plug on this before someone dies and they face a massive lawsuit!
RADIATE!
December 21st, 2010 at 8:09 am
Does Cirque du Soleil have these kind of issues? I don’t see how they aren’t able to do this and not have people getting hurt.
December 21st, 2010 at 8:39 am
This report sounds like a lie.
December 21st, 2010 at 9:09 am
This thing just can’t be done. Is it worth maiming people for a little spectacle and some crappy music from Bono of all people?
No.
December 21st, 2010 at 9:09 am
Here is a link to a news story with video of the actor being taken away in an ambulance. The story also confirms it was a stuntman, whose name has not been released, but who’s face is visible in the video. Further, the story provides a report from eyewitnesses in the crowd.
December 21st, 2010 at 9:11 am
yes, a lie, because people care enough to lie about this…
this has been one big mistake after another, Marvel should have stepped away during the production delays, but no, they have to stick their product where it, quite frankly doesn’t belong. They’ll get their due one way or the other, either through lawsuit or a box office bomb because I seriously can’t see this being a smash hit. Theater goers won’t be interested in seeing Spider-Man and comic fans will think it’s lame, who exactly are they targeting with this? I miss the days of Power Rangers Live at Radio City Music Hall, who saw that one?
December 21st, 2010 at 9:17 am
By all estimates, it’s doing relatively well in previews, though the reviews are mixed at best. Honestly, I think you underestimate the appeal of the promised spectacle. I think a lot of people will ultimately go if for no other reason than to see the most expensive musical in history.
I won’t be among them; I don’t care for musicals regardless of whether Spider-Man is involved, but I think that the possibility of a hit still exists, provided they can maintain their equipment and cast in a working order.
December 21st, 2010 at 9:43 am
They spent way too much money and tried to open too soon as a result. Shut it down and get proper safety measures installed and train the performers or remove the stunts. Probably best to just shut it down.
December 21st, 2010 at 11:18 am
All the other reports sound true, but this one just sounds made up. Obviously the production has had problems, but, like someone mentioned before, Cirque du Soleil has been doing this a long time, and their productions are probably more complicated. If they can’t get it together then for the safety of the performers and the the audience, they should indeed stop, but if Cirque can do it, then they should be able to work it out.
But this particular report sounds like it was written by someone playing a joke.
December 21st, 2010 at 11:26 am
Whoa, yikes! There is a video of the incident at NY Times.com!
Check it out: http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/12/20/performer-is-injured-during-spider-man-performance/#video
December 21st, 2010 at 11:42 am
I can’t believe that people would doubt this. What would be the point? I saw the video of this first thing this morning at 7am on the morning news.
I agree it should be seriously examined (which I am sure at this point it has to be by the insurance company) or shut down.
December 21st, 2010 at 12:34 pm
From what I understand, this production is full of trapeze-like swinging and sudden drops coupled with mid air direction changing. Much more daring than the controlled spinning, hanging and balancing Cirque du Soleil is known for. It’s admirable and brave to attempt to bring the excitement of Spider-Man to the live Broadway stage, but for right now I think all involved should back away from rushing this to the public and focus on making it as safe as it is dynamic.
December 21st, 2010 at 4:35 pm
“but this one just sounds made up.”
So I guess “video or it didn’t happen” was your nonsensical standard of proof here?
December 21st, 2010 at 9:03 pm
Definitely shut it down before someone breaks their neck – ‘with great power comes great responsibility’!
December 22nd, 2010 at 1:37 pm
Go suck a rotten egg, silvanthalas.
December 22nd, 2010 at 3:58 pm
“Go suck a rotten egg, silvanthalas.”
What a witty come back!
Perhaps you should not try and come across as a fool next time?
December 22nd, 2010 at 4:48 pm
JJ;
I hope your intent is to come off as a buffoon. Because that’s what you’re succeeded in doing here.
Perhaps you want to revise your tone when attempting to construct a cogent argument here? Unless, of course, you’re in the third grade; in which case, bravo for knowing how to type.
December 23rd, 2010 at 7:50 am
It looks like the actor has been confirmed as Christopher Tierney, one of Reeve Carney’s stunt doubles. I could provide sources but whatever.
January 5th, 2011 at 6:16 pm
This is totally believable! I am not surprised at all by all of these injuries. Everyone on the face of the planet should have known that a Spiderman musical would be a bad idea, and everything that’s gone wrong during performances is proof.
July 21st, 2011 at 11:17 pm
They spent a significant amount of money and attempted to spread out too early consequently.