It's Only A Play: Martin Short and extension confirmed

Producers of the star-studded Broadway revival of Terrence McNally's comedy It's Only a Play have now confirmed that the production's limited run has now been extended and will book through to 29 March 2015. It was originally scheduled to close on 4 January 2015. The show will continue at its current home of the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre until 18 January 2015 and then make way for the Helen Mirren-led drama The Audience. It will then resume performances at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on 23 January and play through to 29 March 2015.

Also confirmed, is the Broadway return of Tony and Emmy winner Martin Short, who will replace Tony winner Nathan Lane in the role of James Wicker from 7 January 2015. Mr Lane will play his last performance on 4 January, as he is already committed to BAM's revival of The Iceman Cometh in February of next year and was unable to extend his contract.

The remaining cast members Matthew Broderick, Megan Mullally, Rupert Grint, Stockard Channing, F. Murray Abraham, and Micah Stock are all scheduled to remain in their respective roles for the extended run.

Martin Short won the Tony Award in 1999 for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance in 'Little Me' and was nominated in the same category in 1993 for 'The Goodbye Girl'. He also wrote and starred in 'Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me' from 2006 to 2007. He is perhaps best known for his appearances in films such as 'Father of the Bride' and 'Father of the Bride II', 'Mars Attacks!' and 'Jungle 2 Jungle'.

It's Only a Play opened at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre on 9 October 2014 to mixed reviews, and is currently booking through to 29 March 2015.

The comedy is set on the opening night of Peter Austin's new play, as he anxiously awaits to see if his show is a hit. On the biggest night of his life, he shares this with his best friend, a television star, his fledgling producer, his erratic leading lady, his wunderkind director, an infamous drama critic, and a wide-eyed coat check attendant. It's Only a Play is a Broadway comedy about the comedy of Broadway.

The production is directed by Jack O'Brien and produced on Broadway by Tom Kirdahy, Roy Furman, and Ken Davenport.

- by Tom Millward