Stuntman 'left with holes in knees by Spider-Man show'

Richard Kobak has told a court that he suffered the leg injuries in 2010 while filling in for another injured stuntman at the most expensive show in Broadway history.

He alleges that the rigging he used for the show's aerial acrobatics was not recalibrated for him and, as a result, he made 70 hard landings on stage during performances and rehearsals.

He said the hard landings created a 1.4mm hole in his right knee and a 9mm hole in his left knee.

He also alleges that a computer programme controlling one of his jumps from a balcony sent him flying into a wall on April 5, 2011.

He said he suffered two herniated discs, whiplash and a concussion.

Rick Miramontez, a spokes-man for the producers, said: "The producers have no comment on the matter except to wish Mr Kobak, who is currently in the American Idiot tour, well." During the production's rocky start, several accidents marred performances.

One actor, Christopher Tierney, suffered a fractured skull, a fractured shoulder blade, four broken ribs and three broken vertebrae during a fall on December 20, 2010; he made a triumphant return to the show.

A lead actress, Natalie Mendoza, suffered a concussion during a preview performance and left the show, which has been a huge box office draw since its doors opened.

Mr Kobak's court papers seek memos, emails or any other evidence about the computer programme and the equipment, copies of accident reports prepared by producers and any other relevant papers to "determine if there is a viable claim".

The filings are hardly the only legal headache the producers face.

In November, fired director Julie Taymor slapped the producers -- led by Michael Cohl and Jeremiah J Harris -- as well as Glen Berger, her former co-book writer, with a copyright infringement lawsuit, alleging they violated her creative rights and haven't compensated her for the work she put into the $75m (¤57m) show.

hnews@herald.ie