MCC Theater has announced that due to an unforeseen health concern, Michael Oberholtzer will step into the role of Frank, previously played by Billy Magnussen, in its production of Robert O'Hara's Shit. Meet. Fan. Opening night has also been postponed from October 28 to November 18 to allow for additional rehearsal time.
Tony nominee Oberholtzer's first performance date will be announced shortly. In the meantime, understudy Jesse Pennington will cover the role, beginning with tonight's show.
“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," MCC Co-Artistic Director Bernard Telsey said in a statement. "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."
Shit. Meet. Fan. began Off-Broadway previews October 10. The show is mostly sold out and has already extended twice, with performances now set to continue through December 15.
The cast also includes Garret Dillahunt as Brett, Genevieve Hannelius as Sam, Neil Patrick Harris as Rodger, Jane Krakowski as Eve, Debra Messing as Claire, Tramell Tillman as Logan, and Constance Wu as Hannah. Rounding out the company are understudies Lennox T. Duong, DeLance Minefee, Pennington, Olivia Reis, and Jessica Rush.
Written and directed by O'Hara (Slave Play), Shit. Meet. Fan. is based on the 2016 Italian film Perfetti Sconosciuti (translated to Perfect Strangers). The work depicts a dinner party that goes off the rails when one attendee says that no relationship can survive if a person has access to their lover's phone. The film is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most remade film of all time, with 24 remakes in different languages (an English-language remake fell through because the English film rights are owned by Harvey Weinstein).
Shit. Meet. Fan. features scenic design by Tony winner Clint Ramos, costume design by Tony nominee Sarafina Bush, lighting design by Alex Jainchill, and sound design by Tony nominee Palmer Hefferan. Imani Champion is the production stage manager. Casting is by The Telsey Office.
The limited engagement is produced in association with Eva Price, Simon Horsman, and Gianni Nunnari.
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