Spider-Man pays off for Foxwoods

Foxwoods’ crossover with Spider-Man play paying off

By James MosherSuperheroes need to have thick skins. Spider-Man is proving to have one, fighting off bad luck and negative reviews to post impressive box office numbers and give a boost to his theater patron—Foxwoods Resort Casino.

The musical, “Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark,” currently running on Broadway, took a series of blows from critics about injured actors and technical difficulties, repeated delays for the official opening of the production, the firing of the director and the cost—a reported whopping $75 million by the time the elaborate show opened June 14.

As these difficulties mounted over several months, one thing remained constant—a reminder that the beleaguered show was being staged at the Foxwoods Theater.

The casino stands by its investment, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Chairman Rodney Butler said.

“People can say what they want, but tickets are selling,” said Butler, who attended opening night. “That’s the ultimate gauge of success.”

Now that the show has opened, tickets, each of which has the Foxwoods name printed on it, are selling briskly for up to $140. Recent receipts posted on Playbill.com show “Spider-Man” playing to sold-out audiences. For the week ending June 26, the gross admission take was $1.7 million with an average ticket price of $110.Comment:  For more on the subject, see "Foxwoods Final Five" Advertising Deal and Foxwoods Bets on Spider-Man.

Below:  Reeve Carney and Jennifer Damiano star in Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark.