Natalie Mendoza Returns to Spider-Man After Injury

After being temporarily sidelined due to an injury, Natalie Mendoza returned to Spider-Man, Turn Off the Dark on December 15. A spokesperson for the production could not confirm that Mendoza, who plays the spider goddess Arachne, will return permanently. Mendoza's understudy America Olivo took over the role beginning December 2.

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. Opening night is scheduled for January 11, 2011.