Seán Cullen, who played Max Bialystock in the Canadian production of The Producers, will step into Dow's role in early September for the remainder of the musical's run. (Understudy Randy Ganne will continue in the part until Cullen takes over.) In a statement artistic director Des McAnuff said, "Bruce Dow gave a celebrated performance as Pseudolus that was a joy to all of us that worked on the production. We are relieved to learn that Bruce should make a speedy recovery and I look forward to having Bruce back next season.

"I welcome the highly accomplished Seán Cullen in to occupy Bruce's role at centre stage where he'll be surrounded by our extraordinarily talented and supportive troupe of players."

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, which features direction by McAnuff and choreography by Wayne Cilento, runs through Nov. 1. The cast also features Dan Chameroy as Miles Gloriosus, Deann deGruijter as Domina, Randy Hughson as Senex, Chilina Kennedy as Philia, Mike Nadajewski as Hero, Stephen Ouimette as Hysterium and Cliff Saunders Marcus Lycus.

To purchase tickets call (800) 567-1600 or visit stratfordshakespearefestival.com.

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The Stratford Shakespeare Festival's 2009 season runs until Nov. 1, featuring Macbeth; West Side Story; Cyrano de Bergerac; A Midsummer Night's Dream; The Importance of Being Earnest; Julius Caesar; A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum; Three Sisters; Bartholomew Fair; Ever Yours, Oscar; Phèdre; The Trespassers; Rice Boy; and Zastrozzi.