Associate director of Broadway comedy to replace Patti LuPone as lead actress.
Mia Farrow, the renowned actress, recently had to step down from her role in the Broadway play “The Roommate” after testing positive for Covid-19. The play, which also stars Patti LuPone, had to cancel its Saturday performances but planned to continue with Marsha Mason filling in for Farrow on Sunday. Mason, an accomplished actor and associate director of the play, was asked to step in by the producers to ensure the show could go on.
Farrow’s absence due to Covid-19 led to the decision to have Mason take over the role instead of the understudy, Carol Halstead. Mason, being a well-known figure, was deemed to have more name recognition that could help prevent ticket cancellations by disappointed audience members expecting to see Farrow. This substitution is not uncommon in the Broadway scene, especially in the wake of the pandemic.
“The Roommate,” written by Jen Silverman, is a comedic play featuring two characters and revolves around the interactions between an Iowa City woman and her Bronx boarder with a penchant for deception. The play, with a budget of $5.5 million, is part of a lineup of shows this season that aim to attract audiences with star power and limited runs.
Farrow, LuPone, Mason, and the director, Jack O’Brien, all have connections to Western Connecticut and share a friendship, adding a personal touch to the production. Despite the setback caused by Farrow’s illness, the show’s team is determined to deliver a memorable performance with Mason stepping into the spotlight.
Source: The NY Times
