Injured stuntman returning to 'Spider-Man'

Christopher Tierney, the stunt double who suffered multiple injuries in a fall during the Dec. 20 preview of "Spider-Man, Turn Off the Dark," will return to the show next week.

Tierney, 31, has received the go-ahead from his doctors to return to rehearsals on Monday. Rick Miramontez, spokesman for the catastrophically beleaguered musical, says Tierney is expected to return to his original role as lead stunt man.

Producer Michael Cohl told The Associated Press that Tierney's "back's fine. They've taken the bolts and the nuts and everything out."

It is a rare bit of good news for the show, which closed down Sunday for a three-week reboot without Julie Taymor and with a new director, book writer and choreographer. Composers Bono and The Edge are also expected to contribute new songs.

While declining to discuss the show's finances, Cohl told the AP that the decision to replace the production team was wrenching. "It was really difficult," he said. "It was horrible."

The much-delayed musical is scheduled to resume preview performances May 12 and open June. 14.