New York City - The buzz on Broadway continues to center around Julie Taymor's $65 million production of "Spider-man: Turn Off The Dark" at the Foxwoods Theater on 42nd Street. The first preview performance on November 28 was an utter disaster with people demanding their money back when two actors in the production about the Marvel comics' superhero were left dangling in mid-air stopping the show for several minutes on more than one occasion.

Then last month on December 20 Christopher Tierney, a 31-year-old actor in the show, was seriously injured when his harness cable broke dropping him 30 feet. He suffered a fractured skull, cracked his vertebrae and broke several ribs in the plunge, which closed the show for several days. Despite his injuries Tierney, supported by a back brace, walked out of the hospital on December 30 and is looking forward to returning to 'Spider-man' his father was quoted reporting to the press. Tierney was backstage at the show on January 7 to wish his fellow cast members good luck and then took an orchestra seat to watch the show.

Other minor injuries have also been reported. And according to a web report co-star Natalie Mendoza, who played villainess Arachne, has left the production after suffering a concussion. She reportedly signed a confidentiality agreement as part of a deal to be released from her contract and negotiated a sizeable settlement. Mendoza had returned to the show on December 15, but had not fully recovered - even going so far as to write about her struggles on her Facebook page.

Although reports claim the technical glitches are improving the producers have postponed the opening date three times. Originally scheduled to open December 21, the latest opening night has now been moved from February 7 to March 15 in an effort to fine-tune aspects of the production, including a new ending. Lead producer Michael Cohl assured the press this will be the final postponement.

The demand for tickets has been overwhelming and will probably continue, so why bother with an official opening night. When "Spider-man: Turn Off The Dark" is sound and running smoothly let the critics come to write their reviews. We know the special effects will certainly be astounding enough to keep ticket sales brisk despite the critics. So let them eat cake and let's declare 'Spider-man' a hit. Certainly almost everyone I speak with is dying to see it.

The winter is a difficult time to keep shows running and last month I reported about the numerous closings. January and February are the slowest selling months of the year and the heavy snow has taken a toll as well, even making it difficult for Playbill, the Broadway program, to be delivered during the blizzard on December 28. However Broadway producers have come up with some interesting strategies to beef up ticket sales.

Amy Rutberg as Agnes, Charles Busch as Mother Superior, Alison Fraser as Sister Walburga and Julie Halston as Sister Acacius in "The Divine Sister." (David Rodgers)

Disney Productions, producers of "The Lion King" and "Mary Poppins" have announced that for the first time in the history of Broadway ticket sales that they will institute an exchange policy. In an effort to acknowledge our busy lives and the winter storms, if you buy tickets to one of these shows, you will be allowed to exchange your tickets for another date through March 10 without any penalty.

Also for the first time ever there will be a 2 for 1 sale during Broadway Week, which will run January 24 through February 10. To encourage residents and tourists to get out to a Broadway show, you can purchase tickets at 50 percent off to participating shows either at the box office or from telecharge (212-239-6200) or ticketmaster (877-250-2929). You will need to use the code BW2011. Remember there is still the normal service charge, a whopping $7.50 per ticket charge and $2.25 per order charge, so if you can purchase your tickets at the box office you will save even more.

For more information on the City's winter promotions go to www.nycgo.com.  

Participating Broadway Week show include:
 • "The Addams Family - A New Musical"
 • "American Idiot"
 • "Billy Elliot The Musical"
 • "Chicago The Musical"
 • "Colin Quinn Long Story Short"
 • "Driving Miss Daisy"
 • "Good People"
 • "The Importance of Being Ernest"
 • "Jersey Boys"
 • "La Cage Aux Folles"
 • "The Lion King"
 • "Lombardi"
 • "Mamma Mia!"
 • "Mary Poppins"
 • "Memphis"
 • "Million Dollar Quartet"
 • "The Phantom of the Opera"
 • "Time Stands Still"

(All are subject to change, and some shows not available for all performances).

On The Boards
 • Kids' Night on Broadway is when kids ages six to 18 can see Broadway shows for free when accompanied by a full-paying adult from February 6 through February 10. The 15th annual Kids' Night on Broadway kicks off in New York City on February 6 with a pre-theatre party at the new Bowlmor Lanes in Times Square, the ultimate in bowling. Kids' Night on Broadway ticket holders will experience unique theatre activities as well as the chance to bowl for free! Pre-theatre events will also take place at Madame Tussauds New York on Tuesday, February 8. Theatergoers can go to www.KidsNightonBroadway.com for more information, and to view the list of discounted restaurants and parking garages. Tickets can also be purchased via www.broadwayoffers.com or ticketmaster.com or at the individual theatre box offices. Use Code KNOB2011.

 • If you missed Al Pacino in "The Merchant of Venice," which closed turning people away on January 9, you will get another chance to see him. Pacino, who had to leave the show due to a film commitment, will bring the Shakespeare tragedy back for three more weeks from February 1 through February 20 at the Broadhurst Theater. This will give investors a chance to make a little more money off the hit show that has been playing to capacity. For more information call 212-239-6200 or go to www.publictheater.org.

 • Producers have come up with some other smart strategies to keep shows going longer. "Rain," the Broadway hit tribute to The Beatles, will change theaters. The musical, which closed on January 15 at the Neil Simon Theater owned by the Nederlander Organization, who struck a deal to move show to the Brooks Atkinson Theater, where the musical will reopen on February 8 for 16 more weeks.

 • In an interesting twist the hit musical "Rock of Ages," which opened in March 2009 and had been playing there closed on January 10, but will re-open at the smaller Helen Hayes theater in March giving investors an opportunity to make more money out of the musical. The show had been selling out on weekends, but was struggling during the week. The 597 seat Helen Hayes will bring down operating costs and keep the show running. So if you have an interest in seeing either of these shows the winter may be a good opportunity.

 • The Green Day Musical "American Idiot" has an uncertain future and ticket sales have dropped off during the tourist season, so the future of the show is difficult to determine. However, Billie Joe Armstrong, the lead singer of Green Day has joined the cast of the rock opera in the role of St. Jimmy for performances through February 27, although he will be out for several performances. He beefed up the box office in the fall, when he joined the cast in the same role. Check with the theater on dates, if you would like to see him.

 • Last but not least is Charles Busch's comedy "The Divine Sister" starring the drag legend himself, which is still going strong Off-Broadway at the 199 seat SoHo Playhouse, 15 Vandam Street. The show, which opened in September, is great fun and a chance to see a theater icon in action delivering one-liners with a style to be cherished. For more information call 212-691-1555 or go to www.SoHoPlayhouse.com.