The Alley Theatre has just announced that due to an illness, actor James Black has withdrawn from the Death of a Salesman production and will be replaced in the lead role of Willy Loman.
The Alley said Opening Night will be moved and it does not yet have a date for the new start. "The Alley has canceled performances through Friday, October 5 and we are now contacting all ticket holders. A definitive first preview and opening will be announced at a later time," an Alley e-mail said.
Art Attack had interviewed Black earlier and he was looking forward to the role with great anticipation. Friday, he had this to say:
"I must put my health above all, follow the medical guidance of my doctor, and step away from this role and this great production," says James Black. "I leave with a heavy heart and apologize for disappointing loyal Alley subscribers and current ticket holders."
The Alley press release went on to say:
"We request that you respect the privacy of James Black and feel confident that he will return to full strength soon and be able to direct this year's production of A Christmas Carol - A Ghost Story of Christmas," states Managing Director Dean R. Gladden. "We have cancelled performances through Friday, October 5 and are doing our best to contact all ticket holders to reschedule for performances later in the run."Artistic Director Gregory Boyd is pleased to announce that Glenn Fleshler will play the role of Willy Loman. He was the understudy for Willy Loman in the recent Broadway production. His Broadway credits also include Captain Brice, RN in Tom Stoppard's Arcadia and Antonio's man/ensemble in Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice. A definitive first preview and opening will be announced at a later time.
