LIPS TOGETHER, TEETH APART to be Postponed Entirely; Due to Mullally's Departure

Roundabout Theatre Company's production of Lips Together, Teeth Apart will now be postponed entirely following the sudden departure of Megan Mullally from this four-person ensemble comedy.

Roundabout's Artistic Director Todd Haimes said in a release that "We could not find a way to maintain the production schedule under these circumstances. We are now exploring options to produce a show for our subscribers as soon as possible."

Yesterday it was announced that Megan Mullally's rumored departure from the Roundabout Theatre Company's Broadway production of 'Lips Together, Teeth Apart' due to disagreements with director Joe Mantello has been confirmed by Roundabout's Artistic Director Todd Haimes.

The following statement was issued by Haimes:

"We were surprised and disappointed that Megan Mullally had to withdraw from the production immediately in breach of her contract.  With the loss of Megan in a four person ensemble, work has been delayed after only two weeks of rehearsal.  We have wanted Joe Mantello to direct this comedy since he staged a reading for us three years ago.  We expect to announce replacement casting shortly.  The first preview performance will be delayed.  The opening night date remains April 29th."

'Lips Together' playwright Terrence McNally also issued a statement:

"Joe and I were thrilled to be in the rehearsal room with these four actors. Joe is my longest and one of my most trusted collaborators.  We have waited and worked for almost three years to make this production happen. Megan Mullally's decision to withdraw at this late date is devastating."

Roundabout Theatre Company's (Todd Haimes, Artistic Director) upcoming Broadway production of Terrence McNally's comedy Lips Together, Teeth Apart still will star Patton Oswalt (Sam Truman), Lili Taylor (Sally Truman) and David Wilson Barnes (John Haddock).

Directed by Joe Mantello, Lips Together, Teeth Apart was scheduled to play the American Airlines Theatre on Broadway (227 West 42nd Street). This is a limited engagement through June 20th, 2010.

The design team includes John Lee Beatty (Sets), Tom Broecker (Costumes), Paul Gallo (Lights) and Darron L West (Sound).

Lips Together, Teeth Apart takes place on the elegant deck of a beach house on Fire Island. A brother and sister and their respective spouses attempt to celebrate the Fourth of July with a gnawing uncertainty that makes their affluent habits and petty prejudices sizzle in the summer sun. In this unforgettable comedy, Terrence McNally does for the beach house what Chekhov did for the Russian country estate.

Photo by Walter McBride / Retna Ltd.