Cherry Lane Theatre has announced that its acclaimed show, Israel Horovitz’s comedy Out of the Mouths of Babes, will close prematurely in order to preserve the health of one its stars, Estelle Parsons. Oscar winner Parsons was brought to the hospital after the first act of the July 6 evening performance and was treated for dehydration.
Originally scheduled to play through July 31, Out of the Mouths of Babes will not resume its run, with the July 6 performance marking the final show.
“Estelle had been debilitated by the heat and felt ill at intermission. The remainder of the performance was cancelled and Estelle was taken to the hospital for care and observation overnight,“ said Cherry Lane artistic director Angelina Fiordellisi in a press statement. “She left there with a clean bill of health and remains in good health, but upon further consultation with her long-time physician, it has been determined that it is inadvisable for her to resume the rigors of performing this two-act play. Under the circumstances, we regret that we must cancel the remainder of the play’s engagement. We love Estelle and want her to have the rest and peace of mind she needs.”
Read More: Tonight's Performance of Out of the Mouths of Babes Canceled, as Estelle Parsons Recovers
The production, which garnered good reviews, also starred two-time Tony winner Judith Ivey, Fiordellisi and Francesca Choy-Kee, with direction by Barnet Kellman. In the new comedy four women arrive in Paris for the funeral of a 100-year-old man who loved each of them.
The creative team included scenic designer Neil Patel, costume designer Joseph G. Aulisi, lighting designer Paul Miller and Tony-winning sound designer Leon Rothenberg.