In a disappointing turn of events, Andrea Martin has been forced to depart the Broadway production of Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus. Due to an injury sustained during rehearsal that resulted in four broken ribs, Martin has left the forthcoming Broadway production of Taylor Mac’s play. Tony-nominee Kristine Nielson (Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike), who was originally slated to play “Carol” in the production will assume Martin’s role as “Janice.”
“I am heartbroken to have to leave the production and have tried to convince the doctor that my funny bone is stronger than my broken ribs. But regretfully I must follow the doctor’s orders.”
Ms. Martin said, “I am heartbroken to have to leave the production and have tried to convince the doctor that my funny bone is stronger than my broken ribs. But regretfully I must follow the doctor’s orders. I love everyone involved in this beautiful play and will miss them profoundly. I will be cheering them on from the audience at the Booth Theatre.”
Entering the production, taking over the role vacated by Nielsen will be Tony-winner Julie White (The Little Dog Laughed). Starring three-time Tony Award winner Nathan Lane and directed by five-time Tony Award winner George C. Wolfe, Gary will now begin preview performances on matinee Saturday, March 9, with an opening night still set for Thursday, April 11 at the Booth Theatre to accommodate for the change.
Producer Scott Rudin, in a statement, said, “There is no greater company member than Andrea Martin, and we are heartsick to see her depart the production. We wish her the speediest recovery possible. We are very grateful to both Ms. Nielsen and Ms. White for stepping up and stepping in so swiftly.”
Andrea Martin is a two-time Tony-winner for her roles in My Favorite Year and Pippin. The stalwart theatrical comedian has also appeared on Broadway in Oklahoma!, Candide, and Young Frankenstein. Director George C. Wolfe offered these remarks about her departure, “Andrea is a gifted artist who has already made an indelible mark on this wonderful play which we can’t wait to share with the world.”
“In Mac’s extraordinary new play, set during the fall of the Roman Empire, the years of bloody battles are over. The civil war has ended. The country has been stolen by madmen, and there are casualties everywhere (among them a midwife on the verge of death – White). And two very lowly servants – Lane and Nielsen – are charged with cleaning up the bodies. The year is 400 – but it feels like the end of the world.”
Mark Robinson is the author of the two-volume encyclopedia The World of Musicals, The Disney Song Encyclopedia, and The Encyclopedia of Television Theme Songs. He maintains a theater and entertainment blog at markrobinsonwrites.com.