War Paint, the new Broadway musical starring Patti LuPone and Christine Ebersole as rival cosmetics giants Helena Rubinstein and Elizabeth Arden, respectively, ends its run November 5 at the Nederlander Theatre (208 West 41st Street).
The musical was originally scheduled to close December 30; the earlier date allows two-time Tony winner LuPone to have necessary and immediate hip replacement surgery. Upon closing, the musical will have played 33 previews 236 regular performances at the Nederlander.
“It is with great sadness that I must leave War Paint to undergo hip replacement surgery. For several months I have been performing in a great deal of pain. My producers David Stone and Marc Platt have provided an incredible team who, through physical therapy, chiropractic and acupuncture, have enabled me to continue on stage,” said LuPone in an earlier statement. “But the pain has now become too intense and I have no other choice but to leave Christine, John, Doug, and this wonderfully supportive company of actors, who I’ve had the great privilege to work with for over a year. I will miss them more than I can express.“
“We had all hoped—no-one more than Patti—that we would be able to continue until our scheduled final performance on December 30,” added producers David Stone and Marc Platt. “We all know Patti is strong, and she has proven to have even more strength than we imagined. At this point, however, she needs to have hip replacement surgery sooner rather than later. Therefore, we have to move up our final performance to November 5. On behalf of Christine and the entire company and crew, we wish her a speedy recovery.”
LuPone is slated to star as Joanne in the upcoming London production of Company. She’ll reprise her performance after taking on the role in the New York Philharmonic’s 2011 staging.
Read: PATTI LUPONE JOINS LONDON’S UPCOMING COMPANY, FEATURING A FEMALE BOBBY
War Paint officially opened on Broadway April 6 after previews began March 7. Prior to Broadway, War Paint had a sold-out run at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago in summer 2016.
Both LuPone and Ebersole received Tony nominations for their performances. The production also received nods for Best Costume and Best Scenic Design.
READ BROADWAY REVIEWS FOR WAR PAINT
The new musical reunites Scott Frankel and Michael Korie—the songwriting team of Grey Gardens and Far From Heaven—with Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Doug Wright (Grey Gardens, I Am My Own Wife, The Little Mermaid) and director Michael Greif (Grey Gardens, Next to Normal). Choreography is by Tony Award winner Christopher Gattelli. The show is inspired by Lindy Woodhead’s book War Paint and the documentary film The Powder & the Glory by Ann Carol Grossman and Arnie Reisman.
Douglas Sills, who created the role of Harry Fleming (Helena Rubinstein’s clubby confidante and faithful ally), departed the production last month and was succeeded by ensemble member and understudy Chris Hoch. His Broadway credits include Amazing Grace, Matilda, Shrek, La Cage aux Folles, and Beauty and the Beast.
The Broadway company also features Tony nominee John Dossett as Tommy Lewis, Arden’s husband and chief marketing officer.
The ensemble comprises Barbara Jo Bednarczuk, Patti Cohenour, Mary Ernster, Tom Galantich, David Girolmo, Joanna Glushak, Mary Claire King, Steffanie Leigh, Erik Liberman, Barbara Marineau, Donna Migliaccio, Stephanie Jae Park, Jennifer Rias, Angel Reda, Tally Sessions, and Bart Shatto.
The musical was produced on Broadway by Stone, Platt, James L. Nederlander, Barbara Whitman, Patrick Catullo, Marcia Goldberg, Universal Stage Productions, Independent Presenters Network, and the Goodman Theatre.
The creative team included scenic designer David Korins, costume designer Catherine Zuber, lighting designer Kenneth Posner, sound designer Brian Ronan, orchestrator Bruce Coughlin, and music director Lawrence Yurman. Casting was by Telsey + Co.
(Tickets sold for performances after November 5 can be refunded at their point of purchase.)
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(Updated November 5, 2017)
