Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark Pushed Back 3 months; Julie Taymor Off; Feds Fine for Cast Injuries!

It’s been a busy few days for the ill-fated Broadway production of Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark.

First, on Friday, The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued 8 Legged Productions LLC, the production company for the production, three serious violations of workplace safety standards following four separate incidents late last year that resulted in injuries to cast members of the musical (see full press release below).

Then yesterday,the New York Times reported that according to their sources, the scheduled March 15 opening of the musical had once again been delayed, this time for a period of three months. The precise dates for the shutdown — needed to give the cast a break and to hold new rehearsals — have not been set, but they are expected to cover late April and early May, according to their csources. They spoke Tuesday on the condition of anonymity because the producers were working on the details and wanted to disclose the plans themselves. An official announcement was expected this week.

Then, late yesterday NY1 reported that their sources had revealed to them that director Julie Taymor was leaving the production all together, and that the show’s producers are busy looking for her replacement.

No official announcement has been made about the delay or the fact that Taymore is off the production, but we can expect some sort of stateemnt laster this week, eith confirming or denying the rumours.

Stay Tuned for more on this $65 Million disaster!

NEW YORK – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued 8 Legged Productions LLC, the production company for the Broadway stage production of “Spider-Man Turn Off the Dark,” three serious violations of workplace safety standards following four separate incidents late last year that resulted in injuries to cast members of the musical.

OSHA began its investigation of the incidents that took place at the Foxwoods Theater, located at 214 West 43rd St. in Manhattan, after receiving a referral from the New York State Department of Labor. The incidents resulting in employee injury happened on Sept. 25, Oct. 19, Nov. 28 and Dec. 20, 2010.

From the investigation, OSHA alleges that employees were exposed to the hazards of falls or being struck during flying routines because of improperly adjusted or unsecured safety harnesses. An additional fall hazard stemmed from unguarded open-side floors that lacked fall protection. Finally, the company failed to shield employees from being struck by moving overhead rigging components.

These conditions resulted in the issuance of the three serious citations, with a total of $12,600 in proposed fines. OSHA issues a serious citation when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

The employer, 8 Legged Productions LLC, has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to meet with the OSHA area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The inspection was conducted by OSHA’s Manhattan Area Office.

Related posts:

1. Julie Taymor Breaks Silence on Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark
2. ‘Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark’ Gets Two Safety Violations from NY Dept. of Labor
3. Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark Spokesman Reacts to Harsh Reviews with Insipid Whining
4. Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark Gets New Finale, Major Changes Still to Come!
5. The New York Times Pans Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark