Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark Cast Member Gets Benefit Concert After Accident

Musical Still Weaves Dangerous Web

Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark dancer Daniel Curry suffered leg injuries this past summer during a performance of the often perilous musical. Earlier this week Curry was able to get back amongst his friends and fellow cast members who raised $10,000 to help cover his medical expenses.

From the NY Times:

Mr. Curry has undergone unspecified amputations as part of his recovery from the accident, in which his right foot was caught in a computerized stage lift and then pinned when a trap door closed on it. Mr. Curry described his injuries in court papers filed in September; his lawyers continue to explore possible action against the show and its equipment suppliers. His lawyers have declined to describe the amputations.

The dancer has stated that his injuries occurred due to faulty machinery but the producers of the show are saying the accident was human error. Meanwhile, the producers have instructed cast and crew not to discuss the accident with the press:

Several cast members attending the benefit Monday said they were told by the show’s producers not to discuss Mr. Curry’s accident and recovery with reporters. But speaking on condition of anonymity, they said that Mr. Curry’s recovery had been slow and challenging and that his future mobility remained unclear. They described Mr. Curry as an optimistic and courageous young artist with “great nerve and spirit,” in the words of one cast member.

Thus far the Spider-Man musical has seen six serious injuries, most coming from the show’s pre-production and test rehearsal days. The latest accident in August tops off a production plagued by accidents, citations from the New York State Department of Labor and fines from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.  Despite the suspect safety record and the ouster of creative visionary Julie Taymor in 2011 the production has enjoyed healthy success on Broadway.

–George Berryman!