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Billy Magnussen has left the Off Broadway production of Robert O’Hara’s Shit. Meet. Fan. due to what producers say is “an unforeseen health concern.”
With Magnussen’s departure – he’ll be replaced by Take Me Out Tony nominee Michael Oberholtzer – the opening date for the play at MCC Theater has been moved from the previously scheduled for Monday, October 28, to Monday, November 18.
Previews began Thursday October 10, and Oberholtzer will take over the role of “Frank” sometime next week. Understudy Jesse Pennington will temporarily step into the role beginning with tonight’s performance.
The production, which also stars Garret Dillahunt, Genevieve Hannelius, Neil Patrick Harris, Jane Krakowski, Debra Messing, Tramell Tillman and Constance Wu, runs through December 15.
In a statement tonight, producers said, “We are grateful for [Magnussen’s] work in the play and wish him a quick recovery.” Additional details about the nature of the health concern were not released.
“In a true only-in-showbiz moment, Tony nominee Michael Oberholtzer answered the 11 o’clock call last night and will be stepping into the play as Frank,” said MCC Co-Artistic Director Bernard Telsey. “Michael has been part of the MCC family since starring in Hand to God in 2014, and we’re thrilled to welcome him back. We’re very fortunate to have another great actor joining this amazing cast.”
Oberholtzer’s official first performance date will be announced shortly. In addition to his Tony-nominated role in Take Me Out, Oberholtzer has appeared on TV in Sneaky Pete, The Americans and Blue Bloods, among other credits.
Shit. Meet. Fan. is performed at MCC Theater’s Newman Mills Theater in Midtown Manhattan, and has already been extended twice.
The play is written and directed by Obie Award winner and Tony Award nominee Robert O’Hara, and is based on the Lotus Production and Medusa Film Perfect Strangers by Paolo Genovese.
