RIALTO CHATTER: Matthew James Thomas Likely to Share Spider-Man Role with Carney

The New York Times reports today that Brittish film actor Matthew James Thomas will likely share the role of Peter Parker/Spider-Man with Reeve Carney for the upcoming Broadway production of Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark. Thomas will take on the role twice a week due to the demanding nature of the part. The Times notes that Carney will play all of the production's preview performances.  Thomas would step in twice a week beginning after the show's opening on January 11, 2011.

Thomas's film credits incude: "Casualty," "Brittania High," "The Lost Prince," "Afterlife," and "Billy Elliot."

Featuring direction by Tony® Award-winner Julie Taymor (The Tempest, Across The Universe, The Lion King), music and lyrics by 22-time Grammy® Award-winners Bono and The Edge, a book co-written by Taymor and Glen Berger (Underneath The Lintel) and one of the most iconic title characters of all time, SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark is the most ambitious production ever undertaken on Broadway and finds astonishingly fresh ways to tell a story inspired by over 40 years of Marvel comic books. The show follows the story of teenager Peter Parker, whose unremarkable life is turned upside-down when he's bitten by a genetically altered spider and wakes up the next morning clinging to his bedroom ceiling. This bullied science-geek suddenly endowed with incredible powers soon learns, however, that with great power comes great responsibility as villains put both his physical strength and strength of character to the test. SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark will thrill the audience through a unique entertainment experience in ways never- before-dreamed-possible in live theater.

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.

For more information, visit www.SpiderManOnBroadway.com