J.J. Hunsecker is on assignment. That's how a posting in the lobby of the Martin Beck Theatre might read for four performances of Sweet Smell of Success April 22-24, when star John Lithgow takes a brief leave to handle previously-scheduled personal commitments.
Lithgow, praised for playing the menacing gossip columnist Hunsecker in the new musical version of the film of the same name, will miss performances 8 PM April 22-23, and 2 and 8 PM April 24.
Understudy Allen Fitzpatrick will step into the role, playing opposite Brian d'Arcy James. Both Lithgow and James are considered likely for Tony Award noms in the dark, urban musical about power struggles, egos and revenge in the newspaper business of 1950s New York City.
Understudy Fitzpatrick usually plays the betrayed Senator in the show. His Broadway credits include Les Miserables, 42nd Street, The Scarlet Pimpernel and more.
— By Kenneth Jones
