The Busy World is Hushed Jill Clayburgh replaces Christine Lahti

Playwright Horizons have announced that leading lady Christine Lahti has withdrawn from the World Premiere production of The Busy World is Hushed, a new play by Keith Bunin. The play is the final production of the theater company�s 2005/2006 35th Anniversary season at Playwrights Horizons� Mainstage Theater.

Ms Lahti has had to withdraw from the production due to family matters that necessitate her returning to the West Coast.

Jill Clayburgh has agreed to step into the role of Hannah. Ms Clayburgh was was originally associated with the play in its initial reading at New York Stage and Film.

The Busy World is Hushed will be Jill Clayburgh's third appearance this season, having starred in the Broadway productions of Richard Greenberg�s A Naked Girl on the Appian Way and the current revival of Neil Simon�s Barefoot in the Park, which she will leave on the 21 May. This is her Playwrights Horizons debut.

"We are all disappointed that Christine Lahti has had to withdraw from The Busy World is Hushed and her long-awaited return to Playwrights Horizons,� said Artistic Director Tim Sanford, �but we all understand and support her decision and look forward to the possibility of working together again in the future. We also feel extremely fortunate that Jill Clayburgh�s schedule now allows her to join this production.�

The casting change delays the performance schedule by a few days. Originally set to run from 27 May - 2 Jul 2006, the production will now run from the 2 Jun - 9 Jul 2006, with opening night set for the 25 Jun.

In The Busy World is Hushed, Hannah, a minister and bible scholar, finds her faith at odds with that of Thomas, her estranged, wayward son. But when an inquisitive young writer hired to assist Hannah with her latest publication learns painful secrets from Hannah�s past, she spies a risky, unconventional opportunity for reconciliation.

The cast for The Busy World is Hushed, directed by Mark Brokaw, also features Hamish Linklater and Luke MacFarlane.

The production has set design by Allen Moyer, costumes by Michael Krass, lighting by M.L. Geiger and sound by Lewis Flinn.