The March 18 statement reads, "Actor Stacy Keach has been diagnosed as having experienced a very mild stroke with no impairment whatsoever of his motor or speech abilities. He remains today in a Los Angeles hospital for observation and routine precautionary procedures. The producers of Frost/Nixon look forward to his speedy recovery and to his return to the show as soon as he is able."
Frost/Nixon is currently playing the Ahmanson through March 29. During Keach's absence, his role will be played by his understudy, Bob Ari. Ari also understudied Frank Langella, who created the role on Broadway and later re-created the part for the "Frost/Nixon" film.
Michael Grandage, who directed the original London and Broadway productions, also directs the tour with associate director Seth Sklar-Heyn. Frost/Nixon co-stars Alan Cox as TV talk-show host David Frost.
According to production notes, "Frost/Nixon tackles the question: How did David Frost, a famous British talk-show host with a playboy reputation, elicit the apology that the rest of the world was waiting to hear from former President Richard Nixon? The fast-paced new play shows the determination, conviction and cunning of two men as they square off in one of the most monumental political interviews of all time."
Designs for Frost/Nixon are by Christopher Oram with lighting by Neil Austin, music and sound by Adam Cork and video design by Jon Driscoll. Stacy Keach has appeared on Broadway in Danton's Death, The Country Wife, The Caucasian Chalk Circle, King Lear, Indians (Tony nomination), Deathtrap, Solitary Confinement and The Kentucky Cycle. The actor won a Golden Globe Award for his performance in the TV miniseries "Hemingway," and his numerous screen credits also include "Mike Hammer," "Fat City," "End of the Road" and "Titus."
For more information visit Frostnixonontour.com.