Natalie Mendoza, Spider-Man's Arachne, Suffers Injury

Natalie Mendoza, who plays spider goddess Arachne in Spider-Man, Turn Off the Dark, is temporarily out of the show due to an injury sustained during the first preview. The actress missed the December 2 performance. Understudy America Olivo will play the role until Mendoza's return, which remains uncertain.

“Natalie Mendoza suffered an injury earlier this week and, on doctor’s orders, will be out of the show for a brief time," Spider-Man lead producer Micahel Cohl said in a statement. "We look forward to welcoming her back very soon.”

Mendoza is best known for her role on the U.K. TV show Hotel Babylon. Her film credits include Moulin Rouge, The Descent, The Descent Part 2, Code 46 and The Great Raid. She has appeared on stage in Romeo and Juliet at the Sydney Opera House and in Les Miserables. Spider-Man marks her Broadway debut.

Spider-Man, Turn Off the Dark, which stars Reeve Carney, Jennifer Damiano and Patrick Page, began performances at the Foxwoods Theatre on November 28. The show, directed by Tony winner Julie Taymor, features a book by Taymor and Glen Berger and music and lyrics by Bono and The Edge. It is scheduled to officially open on January 11, 2011.