Shields plays Ruth and replaces the Tony-nominated Donna Murphy, who was not seen at the St. James Theatre after Aug. 29, according to some accounts. Wills takes over as Eileen from Jennifer Westfeldt, who was also Tony-nominated, and also departed the show earlier than expected— following the Aug. 29 performance, due to a "medical condition."

Until Sept. 26, the part of Eileen was played by two alternating understudies, Nancy Anderson and Susan Derry. Linda Mugleston has played Ruth.

Brooke Shields' Broadway credits include the revivals of Grease! and Cabaret. She was seen Off-Broadway in The Vagina Monologues and The Exonerated. Her film credits include “Pretty Baby,” “Endless Love,” “The Weekend,” “The Bachelor” and “King of the Gypsies.” She won an American Comedy Award for a guest appearance on “Friends,” which led to her hit series “Suddenly Susan.”

Shields gave the box office a boost when she appeared in Grease! and Cabaret. The producers of Town are likely hoping she works similar magic for the Bernstein-Comden-Green show, which has struggled to find a larger audience during its 11-month run.

Wonderful Town plays the Al Hirschfeld Theatre, 302 West 45th Street.