For most actresses, landing a starring role in a big-budget Broadway musical is a life-long dream. Unless, however, that leading role is in "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark," the much-delayed U2-penned musical that has become a running punch line because of its ballooning production costs and its propensity to send actors to the hospital due to its complex aerial stunts. Last week, actress Natalie Mendoza dropped out of the role of the villain Arachne after suffering a concussion during one of the musical's preview performances, and now "Spider-Man" has announced her replacement: Teresa "T.V." Carpio, who was previously playing the minor role of "Miss Arrow" in the musical.
Carpio (top-right, next to Mendoza) successfully (and injury-free!) stepped into Arachne's role after Mendoza's exit during recent preview performances, and director Julie Taymor, says she's up to the task. "T.V. is a superb singer and actress whom I've loved since we worked together on 'Across the Universe,' " Taymor said in a statement. Mendoza's understudy, America Olivo, will now be Carpio's understudy. "Spring Awakening" vet Alice Lee will take over the role of "Miss Arrow," a member of the "Geek Chorus" that narrates the musical and helps the audience make sense of what's been criticized as a convoluted plot. "Spider-Man" is still scheduled to open on February 7th.
[Photo: Marc Stamas/WireImage.com]