Cihi replaces Finn Wittrock, who had originally been cast in the production. A recent graduate of the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, Cihi's stage credits include The Importance of Being Earnest and A Month in the Country at Williamstown Theatre Festival as well as the Japanese tour of Rent.

The role of Friar Laurence will now be played by Daniel Davis (La Cage aux Folles, "The Nanny").

Romeo and Juliet begins performances Sept. 27, prior to an official opening night Oct. 16. The production will play a limited engagement through Nov. 3. 

As previously reported, Shakespeare's tale of star-crossed lovers will be directed by Tea Alagić and will feature Elizabeth Olsen as Juliet, Emmy Award nominee T.R. Knight (A Life In The Theatre, Tartuffe) as Mercutio and two-time Tony nominee Daphne Rubin-Vega (Rent, Anna in the Tropics) as the Nurse.

Additional casting includes McKinley Belcher III (Benvolio), Stan Demidoff (Paris/Sampson), Harry Ford (Gregory, Friar John, Watchman), David Garrison (Capulet), Anthony Michael Martinez (Prince), Kathryn Meisle (Lady Capulet), Dion Mucciacito (Tybalt) and John Rothman (Montague/Apothecary). 

The production will also feature set design by Marsha Ginsberg, costumes by Clint Ramos, lighting by Jason Lyons and sound by Ryan Rumery.

Tickets, a performance schedule and more information are available by calling (212) 352-3101 or visiting classicstage.org.