Tony Award winner Paulo Szot will take a leave of absence from Broadway's South Pacific, at the Vivian Beaumont Theater, ending his current stint on January 24 and returning March 30. In his absence, the role of Emile de Becque will be played by William Michals (January 26-31, March 23-28) and David Pittsinger (February 2-March 21).

Bartlett Sher has directed this musical, based on James Michener's Tales of the South Pacific, and featuring music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein, and a book by Oscar Hammerstein II and Joshua Logan. The production also stars Laura Osnes as Ensign Nellie Forbush.

Pittsinger played Emile in this production last winter and spring during Szot's previous scheduled absence, and also for several engagements in the show's national tour. Michals has been understudying the role since the production's beginning.

Szot will be starring in the Metropoltian Opera's production of The Nose, which opens on March 5.

For more information, visit www.lct.org.