Jason Alexander Returns to Broadway in Larry David's Fish In the Dark; First Pics! | Playbill

News Jason Alexander Returns to Broadway in Larry David's Fish In the Dark; First Pics! Tony Award-winning comic actor Jason Alexander, best known for playing George Costanza on the sitcom "Seinfeld," replaced author/star Larry David in the Broadway hit Fish in the Dark starting June 9. Actress Glenne Headly also joined the cast the same night, in the role created by Rita Wilson.

David finished his scheduled run on June 7. The production, which had been scheduled to close on that date, is now scheduled to run through August 1.

David was one of the creators and head writer of "Seinfeld."

Alexander, who won the 1989 Tony as Outstanding Actor in a Musical for Jerome Robbins Broadway, made his Broadway debut in the original cast of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's 1981 Merrily We Roll Along, and made his last Broadway appearance in 1990's Accomplice.

Jason Alexander Returns to Broadway in Larry David's Fish In the Dark; First Pics!


"I left Broadway 25 years ago because Larry David co-created the show that would change my life and career,” Alexander said in an earlier statement. “It is totally amazing that he also created the show that would bring me back to Broadway. I am thrilled I get to do this hilarious play for him and with this wonderful cast. It is quite simply more fun than any bald man should have." David, who wrote and stars in Fish in the Dark, said, "Not only was I fortunate enough to write for Jason Alexander on 'Seinfeld,' but I also had a ringside seat watching his brilliant, indelible performances. Needless to say, I was thrilled when I heard he was replacing me in Fish in the Dark. Finally I can enjoy the show.”

Alexander returns in a show that is already something of a blockbuster. Prior to its first preview (Feb. 2), the world premiere of Fish in the Dark had taken in more than $13.5 million in advance sales at the box office. That figure was the highest advance for any spring production on Broadway and, according to the New York Times, beats the previous record for a play, $13.05 million for the 2013 revival of Harold Pinter's Betrayal (produced by Scott Rudin, the producer of Fish in the Dark).  David finished his stint on a high note. The show sold $1,246,196 worth of tickets for the week ending June 7, an all-time record for the Cort Theatre.

Glenne Headly, who earned an Emmy nominations in "Bastard Out of Carolina" and played Tess Truehart in the movie "Dick Tracy," will take over the role of Brenda Drexel in the play June 9. A former member of the Steppenwolf Theatre ensemble, Headly has extensive stage credits, including The Philanthropist at Manhattan Theatre Club and the New Group's 2013 The Jacksonian.

The play, from the creator and star of HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and co-creator of “Seinfeld," is directed by Tony Award winner Anna D. Shapiro

Alexander made a surprise appearance in the comedy June 4, performing a walk-on in the minor role of the second doctor. The cameo was confirmed by a production spokesperson, who issued the following statement: "Last night at the Cort Theatre, Jason Alexander surprised author and star Larry David with a walk-on cameo in the second act of the play."

Fish in the Dark is described as "a comedy about a death in the family." 

The production has scenic design by Todd Rosenthal, costume design by Ann Roth, lighting design by Brian MacDevitt and sound design by Rob Milburn and Michael Bodeen.

Fish is produced by Rudin.

Show times are Monday-Saturday at 8 PM with matinees Wednesday and Saturday at 2 PM. Beginning March 10, show times will be Tuesday and Thursday at 7 PM and Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 8 PM with matinees Wednesday and Saturday at 2 PM and Sunday at 3 PM.

Tickets, priced $65-$155, are now available at Telecharge.com.

 
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