Spider-Man Performances Halted as Safety Precautions Added; Tierney in 'Good Spirits'

Performances of Spider-Man, Turn Off the Dark have been halted due to the accident on December 20 in which ensemble member Christopher W. Tierney was injured, but are expected to resume the evening of December 22.

“OSHA [Occupational Safety & Health Administration], Actors' Equity and the New York State Department of Labor have met with the Spider-Man company today to discuss additional safety protocols,” spokesperson Rick Miramontez said in a statement. “It was agreed that these measures would be enacted immediately. Tomorrow's [December 22] matinee  has been postponed and will be rescheduled. Tomorrow evening's, and all subsequent performances will proceed as scheduled."

A source close to the production told Broadway.com that Tierney is “in good spirits and is resting.” The actor is in serious but stable condition at Bellevue Hospital, according to CNN. Tierney, who performs stunts dressed in the title character's signature suit, "fell several feet from a platform approximately seven minutes before the end of the performance, and the show was stopped," Miramontez confirmed.

Spider-Man marks the Broadway debut for Tierney, who has toured with Movin' Out and appeared in the Toronto production of Dirty Dancing. He also appeared in Spider-Man director Julie Taymor's 2007 movie musical Across the Universe.

Spider-Man, Turn Off the Dark began performances at the Foxwoods Theatre on November 28. The show, directed by Tony winner Taymor, features a book by Taymor and Glen Berger and music and lyrics by Bono and The Edge. It is still scheduled to open officially on February 7, 2011.