'Spider-Man' hit with 2 safety violations

Two safety violations have been issued against "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark" for injuries that happened before the new protocols were put into effect Dec. 23.

Upon investigation, the New York State Department of Labor has cited the show for three accidents that had earlier been blamed on human error. These include Christopher Tierney's multi-injury fall from a 30-foot platform on Dec. 20, and two earlier rehearsal accidents in which one actor broke both wrists and another injured a foot performing a slingshot catapult trick to the front of the stage.

The concussion Natalie Mendoza suffered offstage from a falling equipment rope at the first preview, Nov. 28, was not given a safety violation. Mendoza left the company with a confidential settlement.

The violations do not come with financial penalties. Rick Miramontez, spokesman for the troubled $65-million mega-musical, said late Saturday, "The production is in full compliance of DOL guidelines and will continue to work with state officials to maintain the highest safety standards at all times."

Meanwhile, producers continued to hold focus groups this weekend to get audience reaction. These are the first such groups since the show was clobbered by most major reviews Tuesday. Changes are supposedly being made during a record number of full-price practice previews before the next announced opening, March 15. Participants in the focus groups get $60 bags of Spider-Man merchandise.