Fantasy and Reality Converge on "Spider-Man"

This musical staging of the well-known web-slinger is a far cry from the comic books I read, and the cartoon version I watched on TV, as a boy.  But the audience fascination with the nerd-turned-superhero is just the same, probably way bigger, with "Spider-Man:  Turn off the Dark" raking in nearly $192 million so far, according to the Wall Street Journal.  

This musical staging is even a far cry from the handful of film adaptations of Spider-Man, where cinematography has the genius of computer-generated imagery (CGI) to help realize its vision for the superhero's New York City, high-flying act.  No, this latest staging has to under gird a live production, and do so with the critical aid of engineering and technology. Yet, when the curtain draws open, everything must come across as pure aesthetics and entertainment.   

Even this trailer-cum-introduction on the David Letterman show must've been an entire production in itself.  So lavish, so awesome! 

Really, though, the main reason I'm writing about this staging is what Google News brought, from The New York Times:  A severe injury that performer Daniel Curry suffered on Thursday evening.  A trap door closed on his leg, and workers had to saw through stage scenery to free him.  Oh, man.  

Daniel Curry

Both the Wall Street Journal and The New York Times articles noted that this staging has been plagued with mishaps and injuries.  No wonder.  The technology behind aerial stunts and special effects may not be complicated.  The art of musical staging may be well-known and manageable.  But marry the two, especially for something as intricate and fantastic as superhero abilities, and human error and mechanical failure are bound to happen.    

During its long development, “Spider-Man” was plagued by injuries. Natalie Mendoza, the original Arachne, left the show after she sustained a concussion when she was hit in the head by a rope during the first preview performance. Her successor, T. V. Carpio, was injured on the set as well. Christopher Tierney, an ensemble actor who performed stunts dressed as the title character, sustained broken ribs and other internal injuries when he fell 20 feet from a stage platform. (Mr. Tierney eventually rejoined the show.) In February, Joshua Kobak, who replaced Mr. Tierney, sued the production for $6 million for injuries he suffered.

The show must go on, as they say, and we wish Curry a good recovery and speedy return to that very thing that must go on.