“Spider-Man” to Again Delay Opening; Plans Massive Overhaul

Broadway's troubled "Spider-Man" musical will again delay its official opening date -- this time by three months -- as it undergoes yet another major overhaul, according to a published report.

The production, which was set to officially open March 15, has been in previews since November.

According to the New York Times, producers of the $65 million show will now shut down performances for two to three weeks for an overhaul then delay officially opening the show closer to June.
 
The creative team behind the production has been trying to put the finishing touches on what has become the most expensive show in Broadway history. It features Julie Taymor as the director and co-writer, and music by U2's Bono and The Edge.

Delays, money woes and injuries to four cast members — including a 35-foot fall by an actor playing the web-slinger that left him with a skull fracture and cracked vertebrae — have marred the production, as well as the defection of a lead actress after she suffered a concussion.

Meanwhile, who will oversee the creative changes is still unclear and the producers on Tuesday continued negotiating with Taymor, the Times reports.

Last week the show was slapped with three violations of workplace safety standards by federal regulators.

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued the citations to the production company Friday for four separate incidents late last year that resulted in injuries to the cast.

The three citations carry $12,600 in proposed fines — a tiny percentage of the $65 million musical's weekly costs. OSHA began its investigation after receiving a referral from the New York State Department of Labor.

OSHA alleged that 8 Legged Productions LLC exposed the cast "to the hazards of falls or being struck during flying routines because of improperly adjusted or unsecured safety harnesses."

Another allegation said "unguarded open-side floors ... lacked fall protection," and a third noted that "the company failed to shield employees from being struck by moving overhead rigging components."

The incidents resulting in employee injury happened on Sept. 25, Oct. 19, Nov. 28 and Dec. 20, the federal agency said.
 

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