Andrea Martin, the Tony-winning actress who’s appeared in TV shows such as “Great News” and “The Good Fight,” has dropped out of the upcoming Broadway play “Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus” after breaking four ribs during a rehearsal for the show, producer Scott Rudin announced Monday.
Kristine Nielsen, a Tony-nominee for the comedy “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,” will step into Martin’s role in the Taylor Mac play, which will now begin preview performances on March 9. In addition, Tony winner Julie White (“Transformers,” “Nurse Jackie”) will join the company in Nielsen’s former role.
Three-time Tony Award-winner Nathan Lane stars in the show, which is still set for an official opening on April 11 at the Booth Theatre.
George C. Wolfe is directing “Gary,” which is set in the year 400, just after the blood-soaked conclusion of William Shakespeare’s first tragedy, “Titus Andronicus,” during the fall of the Roman Empire when the country has been stolen by madmen.
Lane and Nielsen play two lowly servants charged with cleaning up the bodies.
“There is no greater company member than Andrea Martin, and we are heartsick to see her depart the production,” Rudin said in a statement. “We wish her the speediest recovery possible. We are very grateful to both Ms. Nielsen and Ms. White for stepping up and stepping in so swiftly.”
Martin, who won a Tony six years ago for her featured role in the musical revival “Pippin,” said in a statement, “I am heartbroken to have to leave the production and have tried to convince the doctor that my funny bone is stronger than my broken ribs. But regretfully I must follow the doctor’s orders. I love everyone involved in this beautiful play and will miss them profoundly. I will be cheering them on from the audience at the Booth Theatre.”