August 27, 2007

Philadelphia Theatre Company announces that Kathy Bates will not be appearing in the world premiere production of Terrence McNally's drama Unusual Acts of Devotion. Philadelphia Theatre Company will replace the McNally world premiere with an exciting new Stephen Sondheim musical revue, Being Alive, set to open Philadelphia Theatre Company's 2007/2008 season in their new Suzanne Roberts Theatre on the originally scheduled dates of October 24 - December 2, 2007.

Conceived and directed by award-winning musical theater performer Billy Porter, Being Alive blends the songs of Stephen Sondheim with the poetry of William Shakespeare to tell the universal story of man's seven ages in African-American musical idioms including soul, jazz, blues, R&B, hip-hop, and gospel. Featuring such songs as "Anyone Can Whistle", "Send in the Clowns", "Pretty Women", "Children Will Listen", and "Being Alive", this musical revue is Sondheim sung in a totally new and thrilling way.

On the recommendation of her doctor, Kathy Bates has regretfully had to withdraw from Unusual Acts of Devotion due to health reasons. Because the world premiere play was written specifically with Ms. Bates in mind, and because the re-casting of a new actress of equal caliber could not be achieved under the time constraints, Philadelphia Theatre Company has decided to postpone the play for a future season.

Sara Garonzik, Philadelephia Theatre Company's Producing Artistic Director, said, "Despite the postponement, we are as committed as ever to produce Mr. McNally's extraordinary new play which will mark our sixth production of his work including the world premieres of Master Class and Some Men. We remain profoundly grateful to him for our alliance which has been a joyous one for many years. We are also grateful to Mr. Sondheim for having granted us the opportunity to present his thrilling new work for our theater's inaugural season in our new home."

For further information, please contact Debbie Fleischman at 215.735.7356.

> Return to 2007/2008 Season News