Philadelphia Theater Company announced Aug. 27 that Kathy Bates will not be appearing in the previously announced world premiere production of Terrence McNally’s drama Unusual Acts of Devotion. “On the recommendation of her doctor, Kathy Bates has regretfully had to withdraw from Unusual Acts of Devotion due to health reasons,” according to PTC. “Because the world premiere play was written specifically with Ms. Bates in mind, and because the re-casting of a new actress of equal caliber could not be achieved under the time constraints, Philadelphia Theatre Company has decided to postpone the play for a future season.”
The Philadelphia Theatre Company will replace the McNally world premiere with Being Alive, which will open PTC’s season — the first at the new Suzanne Roberts Theatre. Being Alive, the new musical revue created by Billy Porter, merging Shakespeare poetry and Stephen Sondheim songs, will surface Oct. 23-Dec. 2 at Philadelphia Theatre Company. [via PLAYBILL]