Broadway's beleaguered musical Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark returned without a hitch for a packed preview show on Thursday, with the cast completing dozens of aerial stunts and staging "a safer show," according to star Reeve Carney.
There appeared to be no mishaps at Manhattan's Foxwood Theatre, though director Julie Taymor admitted afterward that a stunt in Act 1 (involving the Mary Jane Watson character) had not been performed. "It's a safer show now," lead actor Reeve Carney, who portrays Peter Parker/Spider-Man, said as he signed autographs for fans after Thursday night's performance. "It was always safe, but now it's safer. It was beautiful to see everyone come together tonight.
The $65-million US production was permitted to resume previews after producers confirmed to the New York labour officials that they had enacted specific safety measures and requirements — including having a second person oversee the correct attachment of harnesses on performers ahead of all aerial stunts.
On Monday, the show was cut short near the end when an actor, Christopher Tierney, plunged from a ledge into a stage pit while performing a stunt as Spider-Man. Investigators are still looking into how it happened, as he was wearing a safety harness that should have prevented the fall.
Tierney underwent surgery on his back this week, and was expected to be released Friday or Saturday to recover at home in New Hampshire, according to his family. "We all got together before the show tonight and talked about Chris," Taymor said after Thursday's show. "Chris gave us the spirit tonight."
Though it has raised safety concerns amid authorities and industry watchers, the incident — combined with the other woes the musical has suffered (including budget concerns, cast changes, technical glitches, and other injuries, such as a concussion and two broken wrists) — has also apparently increased public interest in the show and sparked long queues for tickets.
According to ticket retailers on Thursday, the musical — which features songs by U2's Bono and The Edge — is sold out until Jan. 2. The official opening night, which has been postponed several times, is now slated for early February.
There appeared to be no mishaps at Manhattan's Foxwood Theatre, though director Julie Taymor admitted afterward that a stunt in Act 1 (involving the Mary Jane Watson character) had not been performed. "It's a safer show now," lead actor Reeve Carney, who portrays Peter Parker/Spider-Man, said as he signed autographs for fans after Thursday night's performance. "It was always safe, but now it's safer. It was beautiful to see everyone come together tonight.
The $65-million US production was permitted to resume previews after producers confirmed to the New York labour officials that they had enacted specific safety measures and requirements — including having a second person oversee the correct attachment of harnesses on performers ahead of all aerial stunts.
On Monday, the show was cut short near the end when an actor, Christopher Tierney, plunged from a ledge into a stage pit while performing a stunt as Spider-Man. Investigators are still looking into how it happened, as he was wearing a safety harness that should have prevented the fall.
Tierney underwent surgery on his back this week, and was expected to be released Friday or Saturday to recover at home in New Hampshire, according to his family. "We all got together before the show tonight and talked about Chris," Taymor said after Thursday's show. "Chris gave us the spirit tonight."
Though it has raised safety concerns amid authorities and industry watchers, the incident — combined with the other woes the musical has suffered (including budget concerns, cast changes, technical glitches, and other injuries, such as a concussion and two broken wrists) — has also apparently increased public interest in the show and sparked long queues for tickets.
According to ticket retailers on Thursday, the musical — which features songs by U2's Bono and The Edge — is sold out until Jan. 2. The official opening night, which has been postponed several times, is now slated for early February.
