Federal Regulators Cite Broadway’s Spider-Man for Safety Violations

The Broadway production of Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, at the Foxwoods Theatre, was cited by The Occupational Safety and Health Administration on March 4 for workplace safety violations, stemming from injuries received by cast members last year, according to The New York Times.

The paper quotes a statement from the federal agency as saying that employees had been “exposed to the hazards of falls or being struck during flying routines because of improperly adjusted or unsecured safety harnesses.”

Among the injuries included in the citations is the one sustained by actor Christopher Tierney who was seriously injured in an onstage accident on December 20. The proposed fine for the violations is $12,600, although the musical’s production company, 8 Legged Productions L.L.C., has the right to challenge them.

Following the accidents, the production implemented a number of new procedures to prevent the reoccurrence of injuries, and has remained in adherence with safety protocols.

Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark features music and lyrics by Bono and The Edge of the band U2, and a book by director Julie Taymor and Glen Berger. Inspired by over 40 years of Marvel comic books, the show follows the story of teenager Peter Parker, whose unremarkable life is turned upside-down when he’s bitten by a genetically altered spider and must learn that with great powers comes great responsibility.

The cast is led by Reeve Carney (Peter Parker/Spider-Man), Jennifer Damiano (Mary Jane Watson), Patrick Page (Norman Osborn/The Green Goblin), and T.V. Carpio (Arachne).

The show began previews on November 28, and has moved its official opening date several times. It is currently scheduled to open on March 15, although rumors persist that the opening will be delayed once again.

For tickets and more information on the show, click here.