Robin De Jesus Replaces Ben Rimalower In PATTI ISSUES

Versatile stage and screen performer Robin De Jesus will take over for original author and star of the hit Off-Broadway one-man diva tribute PATTI ISSUES, Ben Rimalower, for a series of performances beginning September 8.

Rimalower shared his enthusiasm for the casting news earlier today, stating, "I couldn't be more thrilled. I've been Robin's fan for years. He's a wonderfully smart actor with tremendous heart, and he's hysterically funny."

De Jesus was equally enthused, humorously and energetically expressing, "I'm ridonkulously excited!!! Ben's shoes will be hard to fill, therefore I intend to wear heels."

Ben Rimalower's tribute to legendary stage and screen star Patti LuPone began over a year ago as merely a four-performance showpiece for the passionate monologist and humorist - who recounts his adoration of the star and how her presence as a performer helped him through some rough periods in his life and bonded him to his own gay father over the course of the show - before it became an overnight downtown hit, eventually running all the way to tonight, when Rimalower commits his final New York performance of it for the foreseeable future.

Those wishing to catch PATTI ISSUES with De Jesus in New York in its original staging by Aaron Mark will have their chance beginning September 8, while Rimalower will bring the show around the world to a series of venues including international stops in Berlin and Glasgow as well upcoming shows in Boston and beyond.

De Jesus was previously seen on Broadway in IN THE HEIGHTS and LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, also winning the hearts of many theatre fans with his turn in the theatre-themed Todd Graff film CAMP. He will be seen later this season in DOMESTICATED at Lincoln Center.

For the original article on the matter, click here.

More information on PATTI ISSUES at The Duplex is available at the official site here. Also, tickets are available here.