Update, September 16 at 4:53 PM: This news item has been updated with news of coming performances.
Mia Farrow, who is currently starring opposite Patti LuPone in Broadway's The Roommate, announced via X September 14, in a post that has since been deleted, that she has tested positive for COVID-19. Both Saturday performances of Jen Silverman's comedy were canceled.
Although Carol Halstead serves as Farrow's understudy, Marsha Mason, one of the production's associate directors, stepped into her role for the Sunday matinee performance with script in hand, according to The New York Times. The outlet is also reporting that Mason will perform at the September 17 performance. It remains unclear when or if Farrow will return to the production.
“I was called to step in by the producers while enjoying a lovely Sunday morning in Connecticut, and of course, came right to the city," Mason said in a statement. "These moments in the theater are equally exciting and terrifying, and the audience helped make it a fun ride. I was exhilarated to play opposite Patti and especially heartened to be able to pinch hit for my Connecticut dear friend and neighbor, Mia, who is quite marvelous in the role.” Mason is a four-time Academy Award nominee for acting and a two-time Golden Globe winner.
The Roommate officially opened September 12 after beginning previews August 29. Performances are scheduled to continue through December 15, with Jack O'Brien at the helm. Read the reviews here.
READ: On the Red Carpet: The Roommate Is Giving Older Women a Rare Lead Spotlight
The work centers on Sharon (Farrow), who has never had a roommate before. Enter Robyn (LuPone), who's ready to break Sharon out of her shell as they navigate the complexities of identity, morality, and the promise of reinvention.
Three-time Tony winner LuPone was last seen on Broadway in a Tony-winning turn as vodka stinger-downing Joanne in Company. Farrow was last seen in a brief stint in Love Letters in 2014, and before that 1979's Romantic Comedy.
The production is offering $35 tickets via a digital lottery. Entries are accepted at Rush.Telecharge.com beginning at midnight the day before each performance, with winners drawn the same day at 10 AM and 3 PM. Winners are eligible to purchase up to two tickets. A digital rush will offer $30 tickets at Rush.Telecharge.com, with the chance for more availability throughout the day. Rush ticket sales end a half hour before curtain.
The work premiered at the 2015 Humana Festival of New American Plays at Actors Theatre of Louisville and was produced at Williamstown Theatre Festival in 2017.
The Broadway production features scenic and costume design by Bob Crowley, lighting design by Natasha Katz, sound design by Mikaal Sulaiman, original music by David Yazbek, and hair, wig, and make-up design by Robert Pickens and Katie Gell. Simone Sault is movement director, and Tripp Phillips is production stage manager. Casting is by C12 Casting's Stephen Kopel.
Visit TheRoommateBway.com.