Official: T.V. Carpio Takes Over as Arachne in SPIDER-MAN

First reported by USA Today, Lead producer Michael Cohl announced that cast member T.V. Carpio has officially assumed the role of "Arachne" in SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark, replacing Natalie Mendoza who departed the production last week after suffering a concussion at an early preview. Directed by Julie Taymor and featuring a book by Julie Taymor and Glen Berger, and new music and lyrics by U2's Bono and The Edge, SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark is now in previews at Broadway's Foxwoods Theatre (213 West 42nd Street). Opening night is set for Monday, February 7, 2011.

Ms. Carpio's first official performance as "Arachne" will be this Tuesday at 8 p.m. (1/4/11).

She has covered the role several times throughout the preview period. "T.V. is a superb singer and actress whom I've loved since we worked together on Across the Universe," Ms. Taymor said. "She brings a unique talent and take on the role of 'Arachne' and is already mesmerizing audiences in the few previews in which she's performed. We are thrilled she is taking over the role"

"She is fantastic," Mr. Cohl added. "When she was covering the role, we kept seeing the crowd leap to its feet as she took her bow. After about the sixth or seventh night, we realized we'd be fools not to give her the part."

T.V. Carpio has been a principal cast member in SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark, in the role of "Miss Arrow," since it began performances last month. She has been involved with SPIDER- MAN Turn Off The Dark since its infancy, participating in the production's early workshops and demo recordings. Footage of her early work on the production, alongside Bono and The Edge, was featured on "60 Minutes." Ms. Carpio appeared in the Taymor-directed film Across the Universe as Prudence. She made her Broadway debut in Rent in 2006. Other film credits include Spike Lee's She Hate Me and the upcoming Limitless, starring Robert De Niro and Bradley Cooper. Her television credits include "Body of Proof," "The Jury," "Law & Order" and Spike Lee's "Sucker Free City."

Alice Lee (Spring Awakening) has joined the production to step into the role of "Miss Arrow," heretofore played by Ms. Carpio.

Tickets are priced from $67.50 - $135 for weekday performances and $67.50 - $140 for weekend performances and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or by calling (877) 250-2929. Tickets are also available at the Foxwoods Theatre box office Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., and Sunday, 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.