Ah, shooting schedules. They wreak havoc with sleep patterns — and off off-Broadway theatre schedules. The tiny Bat Theatre Company has been coping with the vagaries of the film world for the past few days, as they've made various announcements as to the performance schedule of Anthony LaPaglia, scheduled to join the cast of The Guys Feb. 18. At first, LaPaglia was to be in Feb. 18-March 14, thus costarring with Susan Sarandon for the duration of her run. Then LaPaglia's film commitments shifted around, and Gerry Bamman (Nixon's Nixon) was called in to pinch hit. Now LaPaglia's schedule has changed again, and he will be in the show, Feb. 18-March 10 or possibly March 14. Both he and Sarandon will exit the show after that, company spokesperson Erik Sniedze told Playbill On-Line (Feb. 14), and there's no further word on casting beyond that date. No word, either, on whether Bamman will eventually become part of the two-person cast.

(Another change that had to be made due to prior commitments is the one- time replacement of Sigourney Weaver for Sarandon. The actress who originated the role will perform on Feb. 20.)

Film actress Sarandon's credits range from "Thelma and Louise" to "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Sarandon had four Academy Award nominations in the 1990s and finally won Best Actress for her portrayal in "Dead Man Walking."

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The Guys was workshopped at the Bat Theatre Company in Tribeca in December 2001 and returned Jan. 17-26 with Bill Murray and Weaver. The initial run consisted of nine workshop performances beginning Dec. 6 and running through Dec. 20, 2001, all at 7 PM. Flea spokesperson Erik Sniedze had told Playbill On-Line it was hoped The Guys would continue with other well-known actors taking over. Jan. 29-Feb. 9, Bill Irwin took over Murray's role and plays opposite Weaver (Sex and Longing).

— by Ernio Hernandez
and David Lefkowitz