Ma Rainey Cancels Performances; Returns Tonight

Due to an actor’s hospitalization, last evening’s performance of the new Broadway production of at the Royale Theatre was canceled, as was this afternoon’s matinee. The show will resume performances tonight.

Carl Gordon, who plays the role of Cutler in the August Wilson play, was sent to the emergency room yesterday (Tuesday, January 28) because of a burst blood vessel in his leg. Two performances were canceled by the producers due to insufficient rehearsal time for Gordon’s understudy, Helmar Augustus Cooper. The show will go on tonight with Cooper, who will also appear in Thursday evening’s performance; Gordon is expected to be released from the hospital today and to return to the show on Friday. The production stars Whoopi Goldberg and Charles S. Dutton.

Tickets for the canceled performances may be exchanged or refunded at the Royale box office (242 West 45th Street) or by phoning Telecharge at 212-239-6200.