Superhero Says So Long! Reeve Carney to Exit Broadway's Spider-Man, Turn Off the Dark in September

Reeve Carney, the original title star of Broadway's Spider-Man, Turn Off the Dark, will exit the high-flying production on September 15. The show's producers have announced that open casting calls will be held in New York and Los Angeles for Carney's replacement, as well as for actresses who might join the show as Mary Jane, a role currently being played by Rebecca Faulkenberry.

Carney made his Broadway debut as Peter Parker and Spider-Man in the blockbuster musical and has led the cast since the show's first preview on November 28, 2010. His film credits include The Tempest, Spread and Snow Falling on Cedars. He also heads the rock band Carney.

Spider-Man, Turn Off the Dark follows the story of Peter Parker, whose ordinary teenage life takes a turn for the extraordinary when he’s bitten by a genetically altered spider and suddenly finds himself endowed with superpowers. Parker quickly learns that with great power comes great responsibility as he tries to juggle the demands of high school and home life, while battling the Green Goblin (Robert Cuccioli) and his band of super villains. Peter must fight to save everything he holds dear, including the beautiful girl-next-door, Mary Jane.

Spider-Man, Turn Off the Dark features music and lyrics by 22-time Grammy Award-winners Bono and The Edge, direction by Philip William McKinley, original direction by Tony Award winner Julie Taymor, and a book co-written by Taymor, Glen Berger and Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa.

The open casting calls will be held on August 12 in L.A. and August 19 in New York. The role of Peter is described in a news release as follows: "Hopefuls should be males in their late teens to early twenties of any ethnicity. They must have a great rock singing voice. They can be nerdy with an understated sex appeal and a good sense of humor." Mary Jane Watson is described as follows: "Hopefuls...should be females in their late teens to early twenties of any ethnicity. Ideal candidates will be 'beautiful girl next door' types with strong pop/rock singing voices."

In addition to bringing a photo and resume, open call attendees "should be prepared to sing a rock song a cappella, showing off his/her range. They should also have sheet music on hand for that song in the event that they are asked to sing with the piano accompanist. Hopefuls are asked NOT to prepare any music from Spider-Man."