Theater News

Work Visa Delays Cause Last-Minute Casting Change for American Premiere of The Good and the True

The show goes on at DR2 Theatre.

Isobel Pravda, who originated the role of Hana Pravda in The Good and the True, will be replaced by Hannah D. Scott indefinitely for the American premiere at DR2 Theatre.
Isobel Pravda, who originated the role of Hana Pravda in The Good and the True, will be replaced by Hannah D. Scott indefinitely for the American premiere at DR2 Theatre.

Due to what press representatives have described as "an indefinite delay in the processing of international work visas," Hannah D. Scott will step in for Isobel Pravda as Hana Pravda in the American premiere of the award-winning Czech stage drama The Good and the True, now in previews at off-Broadway's DR2 Theatre. Pravda was slated to reprise the role she originated in the U.K. and Belgian touring production of the two-character drama last year. Scott will now costar alongside Saul Reichlin, who performs the role of Holocaust survivor Milos Dobry, which he also originated.

The international work visa delay has been caused by the much-reported computer glitch in the U.S. State Department global database. There is currently no indication as to when Pravda's visa will be fully processed.

"While we're saddened by the unforeseen issues with Isobel Pravda's work visa, I am so pleased that Hannah Scott has stepped up to take on this wonderfully complex and challenging role," said lead producer Brian Daniels. "In a matter of only three short days, Ms. Scott managed to learn the entire part — a full 18 monologues — and was completely off-book as of yesterday afternoon's final dress rehearsal! It was her incredible discipline and remarkable interpretation of Hana Pravda that gave us all the confidence to commence preview performances last night. She is the consummate professional, and it shows!"

Written by Daniel Hrbek, Tomas Hrbek and Lucie Kolouchova, and adapted as an English-language version by Brian Daniels, the play intertwines the true testimonies of Czech athlete Milos Dobry and actress Hana Pravda, who endured the indignities of incarceration and survival at the hands of occupied Czechoslovakia in the 1930s. Daniel Hrbek directs.

The production's opening night remains scheduled for Sunday, August 3.

For tickets and more information, click here.

Featured In This Story