In a sign that Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark is still very much a work in progress even after this week’s pre-opening reviews, EW has confirmed that the Broadway show’s producers have been soliciting audiences to participate in focus groups to help the creators hone in on trouble spots in the weeks leading up to the official March 15 opening. In an e-mail sent on Feb. 8 and obtained by EW, people were invited to see either the first or second act separately and then fill out a survey and take part in a 15-minute discussion. In exchange, participants were promised a “Spider-Man goodie bag worth over $60.” A source close to the production verified the email but declined to elaborate on specific issues being addressed by the groups. READ FULL STORY »

In the wake of the critical drubbing endured today by the Broadway musical Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, producer Michael Cohl is speaking up in defense of his show — and in contempt of the critics who he says aren’t giving it a fair shot. “Any of the people who review the show and say it has no redeeming value are just not legitimate reviewers, period,” says Cohl, who claims the show’s detractors (The New York Times and The Washington Post both called Spider-Man one of the worst productions in Broadway history) are out of touch. “It’s hard to have people that don’t get pop culture reviewing a pop culture event, isn’t it?” (Cohl isn’t the only Spider-Man insider bashing the critics — the show’s spokesman, Rick Miramontez, released an exclusive statement to EW earlier today about the reviews: “The PILE-ON by the critics was ridiculous and uncalled for. Their actions are unprecedented and UNCOOL.”) READ FULL STORY »

Image Credit: Jacob Cohl; Henry S. Dziekan III/Getty ImagesTwo days after a new action-packed ending was added to Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, actress T.V. Carpio tells EW exclusively that there are still significant changes being made to the musical in preparation for its opening on March 15. Carpio, who took over the role of Arachne after Natalie Mendoza was injured, says that director Julie Taymor is in the process of implementing “major changes in the second act, which will make things more clear and better,” specifically targeting the climactic battle between the arch-villainess Arachne and Peter Parker.

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Image Credit: Jacob CohlNow that dancer-stuntman Christopher Tierney is on the mend after suffering fractures of his skull, ribs, and vertebrae in an accident at a Dec. 20 performance of Broadway’s Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, producer Michael Cohl tells EW exclusively that Tierney is welcome back on the show whenever he’s ready. “Absolutely, there’s always a spot for him any time he wants,” says Cohl, who remains hopeful that the show will be accident free by its Feb. 7 official debut.

Cohl also admits that Tierney’s injury and departure made an impact on the entire cast and crew. “It definitely had an effect on all of us. You always feel for anyone who’s injured, especially Chris, who’s such a great guy,” he says. “You have to steel yourself and understand what we’re doing and move forward.”

More Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark:
‘Spider-Man’ stuntman set to be released from rehab center
‘Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark’ exclusive: Bono and The Edge will be in NYC next week to attend all preview performances
‘Spider-Man’ stunt double injured after crashing to stage