Injury on the Set of 'Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark'

In two weeks Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark finally hits the Great White Way after an on again/off again schedule which saw the introduction and departure of major cast members (namely Evan Rachel Wood as Mary Jane Watson and Alan Cummings as Norman Osborn) before a the eventual date was firmly set for November 14th.

Last week the New York Post reported that dancer and Spider-Man double Kevin Aubin was injured (left, two broken wrists) on the set after being catapulted through the air and landing roughly on the stage. Injuries happen in theater more than most people might realize, but the word is that there is an unprecedented amount of aerial work in this production. A second actor spoke with the New York Times annonymously, stating that he sustained a foot injury performing the same stunt as Aubin.

Apparently the costumed actors (and probably the puppeted villains) will do some of the acrobatic-style work over the audience. Mary Poppins flies over the audience in her show but she isn’t flung. The actors seem to be taking this in stride, but this probably getting attention due to the notoriety of the show (long gestation, big big budget and schedule bumps).

Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark is directed by Julie Taymor (The Lion King) with music by Bono and the Edge.

Cross your fingers that no more spiders are harmed during the course of the show’s run.