The actress was playing the role of lead villainess Arachne after Mendoza suffered a concussion during a performance and was advised by doctors not to return. Taking Carpio’s place is understudy and former AITH Podcast guest America Olivo.
Why the production is continuing through previews when the show is taking a major hiatus to retool major aspects of the musical is beyond me. It’s like playing your starters at the end of a football season when you’ve already got the playoffs and a first-round bye clinched. Why risk getting someone injured?
Carpio’s is the fifth major injury to a cast member since “Spider-Man” began previews and two of the injuries were serious enough that the actors in question never returned.