The Best Man: Angelica Page replaces Cybill Shepherd

Golden Globe Award winner Cybill Shepherd, who made her Broadway debut when she took on the role of 'Alice Russell' in the 2012 Tony Award nominated Broadway revival of Gore Vidal's The Best Man, has left the show due to her mother being ill.

Shepherd said, "My time on Broadway in 'The Best Man' has been a once in a lifetime experience that I am devastated to have to cut short. Also once in a lifetime, is my opportunity to be with my mother at this time in her life. I am sad to leave the production, but grateful to be my mother's daughter a little while longer."

Shepherd's understudy Angelica Page has stepped into the role for the remainder of the show's run.

Page has previously appeared on Broadway in 'Side Man.' Off-Broadway she has starred in 'Psycho Therapy,' 'Edge,' 'The Vagina Monologues,' 'Side Man' and 'The Red Devil Battery Sign.' She is soon to appear in her own solo show 'Turning Page,' which is about her mother, legendary actress Geraldine Page.

The revival, directed by Michael Wilson, now features James Earl Jones (Arthur Hockstader), John Larroquette (William Russell), Angelica Page (Alice Russell), John Stamos (Joseph Cantwell), Kristin Davis (Mabel Cantwell), Jefferson Mays (Sheldon Marcus), Mark Blum (Dick Jensen), Elizabeth Ashley (Mrs. Gamadge), Corry Brill (Don Blades) and James Lecesne (Mitch Graham).

The Best Man opened at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre on 1 Apr 20122, following previews from 6 Mar 2012. The show will play its final performance on 9 Sep 2012.

The play opened to mostly excellent reviews: Starry but sluggish production (NY Times); Diverting dramedy (NY Daily News); Outrageously entertaining (Record); An unqualified winner (NY1).

The revival was recently nominated for a 2012 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play, and earned James Earl Jones a nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role. The winners of the Tony Awards are announced on 10 Jun 2012.

A play about power, ambition, political secrets, ruthlessness and the race for the presidency, Gore Vidal's The Best Man is set at the national convention where two candidates are vying for their party's nomination during the primary season. It's an inside look at the dirt-digging, double-dealing, triple-crossing chicanery of presidential electioneering.

The creative team features scenic design by Derek McLane, Lighting design by Kenneth Posner, costume design by Ann Roth and sound design by John Gromada.