Injured Actress Quits 'Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark,' Report Says

(AP)

Actress Natalie Mendoza, the third of four cast members of the trouble-plagued musical “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark” to be injured while performing in the show, has decided to leave the production, The New York Times reported Tuesday.

Mendoza, 30, who plays the villainess Arachne, was hit on the head by a rope at the show’s first preview on Nov. 28. Although she felt fine and performed again three nights later, she fell ill the following day and was diagnosed with a concussion.

Before Mendoza was injured, aerialist Kevin Aubin broke both his wrists during a presentation for ticket agents. In a separate incident while rehearsing the show, another actor broke his foot.
A fourth cast member, Chris Tierney, fell 30 feet into the orchestra pit when a cable snapped during a Dec. 20 preview and required back surgery for his injuries.

Representatives for Mendoza and producers of the show have reportedly been working on an exit agreement for the actress. Her spokesman, Shea Martin, declined to comment Monday on her departure.

Mendoza’s understudy, America Olivo, is expected to take over the role of Arachne when the show opens on Nov. 11.

With a budget of $65 million, “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark,” featuring music by U2 members Bono and The Edge, is the most expensive production in Broadway history.