Not too long ago I remember reading reviews of Julie Taymor’s version of Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark. One particular reviewer took a turn at being an oracle and stated that the musical would do well during the busy tourist season in the summer, but audiences would shrink and leave the Foxwoods Theatre half empty come fall and winter. Well, the show was rewritten, the preview period extended to record length, and now it appears the reviewer may have to eat his words. Reeve Carney, who portrays Peter Parker and Spider-Man, has had his contract extended to May 12, 2012.

True, according to TicketNews, a secondary ticket industry resource, Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark has seen its ranking drop to sixth among Broadway shows. However, there are a couple of Broadway mainstays even farther down the list. So, if Lion King and Phantom of the Opera can manage to maintain their long residencies, then I have to think Spider-Man is safe at number six, especially if the show is banking nearly $1.2 million a week.

Reeve Carney will be taking some time off though. He will be off for a few weeks this winter as he portrays Jeff Buckley in what appears to be the only legitimate biopic of the legendary rockers life. Carney, who is also the lead singer of a Los Angeles-based blues rock group, will lend his vocal talents to tracks for the film. Personally, I cannot wait to hear his rendition of “Hallelujah”, the cover that introduced so many of us to the musician. Principle shooting for the film is set to begin November of this year, but until then fans can purchase Spider Man tickets to see Reeves portrayal of Peter Parker and Spider Man on Broadway.