'Billy Elliot' Musical Sued For $4 Million
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- It seems as if the Spider-Man musical isn't the only Broadway show that's running into some problems.
Two theatergoers from Kansas City, Mo. are suing "Billy Elliot: The Musical" for $2 million each claiming they were hospitalized after a being struck by a prop while sitting in the front row during a performance on Nov. 23, 2009.
The lawsuit filed in Manhattan on Monday, accuses producers of "negligence" for "hazardous and dangerous'' choreography, and failing to warn patrons of the risks.
Safety on Broadway has been under the spotlight following injuries to actors in the $65 million Spider-Man musical.
The producers of "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark" were slapped with two new safety violations by New York State labor officials Sunday after already suffering a blow by critics earlier in the week who gave the show some lackluster reviews.
The citations from the state were issued for a trio of accidents, one of them caught on tape. Dancer Christopher Tierney plunged more than 20 feet off a platform at a show in December because his safety tether was not properly anchored.
No fines were levied in connection with the citations, but state labor officials will come to the show unannounced for inspections.
