'The Glass Managerie', currently in previews, delays opening to the 22 Mar 2005

The New York Times has reported that Tennessee Williams� The Glass Menagerie, which was to open on Broadway on the 15 Mar 2005, will now open on the 22 Mar 2005.

The delay is to accommodate the recent addition of Christian Slater to the cast. Christian Slater, who starred as 'McMurphy' in the recent London production of "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest" which closed on the 22 Jan 2005, has been given more time to accustom himself to the part. Christian Slater has been brought in to replace Dallas Roberts in the role of 'Tom'. No official reason has been provided for the withdrawal of Dallas Roberts, leading to speculation that the change was made for artistic reasons by the director David Levaux and producer Bill Kenwright.

Previews of The Glass Menagerie began at the Barrymore Theatre on the 24 Feb 2005, Currently, the part of 'Tom' is being played by the role's understudy Joey Collins, with Christian Slater making his first performance on the 8 Mar 2005. (Update: Will now make his first appearance 4 Mar 2005)

The Glass Menagerie stars Jessica Lange as 'Amanda' and completing the cast are Sarah Paulson as Laura, and Josh Lucas as The Gentleman Caller.

Jessica Lange appeared on Broadway in the 1992 revival of 'A Streetcar Named Desire' as Blanche Du Bois opposite Alec Baldwin.

Director David Leveaux is currently represented on Broadway by the revival of 'Fiddler on the Roof'.

The Glass Menagerie premiered on Broadway at the Playhouse Theatre in 1945. Directed by Eddie Dowling and Margo Jones, the original production featured Laurette Taylor as Amanda, Eddie Dowling as Tom, Julie Haydon as Laura and Anthony Ross as Jim. The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts presented the Tennessee Williams play in summer 2004 starring Sally Field as Amanda.