Due to a back injury, actor William Biff McGuire has withdrawn from the role of Gus in Primary Stages’ New York premiere production of Kathleen Clark’s Southern Comforts and has been replaced by Larry Keith.
Because of the cast change, the show’s first preview performance, which was to have taken place last evening at 59E59 Theaters, is now scheduled for September 26. The official opening, which had been scheduled for October 4, is now set for October 18. The show will play a limited engagement through November 4.
Directed by Judith Ivey, Southern Comforts co-stars Penny Fuller. The two-character play concerns a widow and widower who meet later in life and find a way into each other’s hearts. The production team includes Thomas Lynch (sets), Joseph G. Aulisi (costumes), Brian Nason (lighting), T. Richard Fitzgerald (sound), Paul Schwartz (music) and B.H. Barry (fight director).
Keith made his Broadway debut in 1956 in My Fair Lady and subsequently appeared in such shows as High Spirits, Gigi, Titanic, Cabaret (1998 revival), and Caroline, or Change. Fuller had major roles in the original Broadway productions of such shows as Barefoot in the Park, Cabaret, Applause, Rex, and The Dinner Party. Her numerous Off-Broadway credits include Five By Tenn and Beautiful Child.