SPIDER-MAN to Be Fined for 'Misleading Preview Advertising'?

SPIDER-MAN has yet another obstacle to overcome. According to Newsday, Bill de Blasio, public advocate of New York City, is campaigning for the Department of Consumer Affairs to make audience members aware that the very delayed show is in deed still not a finished product. De Blasio claims that the musical  "may be in violation of consumer protection laws," because the show makes no mention that it is still in previews.

DeBlasio writes to Newsday, "Theatergoers deserve to know what they are buying. The industry must be forthright with its consumers. Make no mistake, there is a difference between a finished product and a preview performance that could be stopped at any time to iron out new material."

He adds, "I believe the Department of Consumer Affairs is both within its rights - and obligated - to undertake similar measures today."

De Blasio thinks thinks Consumer Affairs needs told "determine whether the current rules are sufficiently explicit with respect to theatrical performances." If not, the department shoud "consider revising the rules to require producers to disclose a show's preview status to potential consumers."

SPIDER-MAN is not the only culprit when it comes to de Blasio's argument. Both HOW TO SUCCEED WITHOUT REALLY TRYING and CATCH ME IF YOU CAN are not advertising 'preview' performances for their websites for their upcoming Broadway runs.

The production's opening night, (previously set for January 11, 2011) is still set to open on Monday, February 7. 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).

Read the full article at: http://www.newsday.com/news/ads-for-spider-man-raise-legal-questions-1.2592280