Fowler replaces the previously announced Charlotte Moore, who has departed the production due to a scheduling conflict. Also starring Rebecca Luker, Simon Jones and Stephen Mo Hanan, Darling is part of the Off-Broadway theatre's acclaimed "Musicals in Mufti" spring season and will be mounted April 15 at 8 PM, April 16 at 2:30 and 8 PM and April 17 at 2:30 and 7:30 PM.
Darling of the Day features music by Jule Styne, lyrics by E. Y. Harburg and a book by Nunnally Johnson. The musical is based on the Arnold Bennett novel "Buried Alive" and concerns the story of Priam Farll, "a painter who sees an opportunity to duck out of London's stifling high society by assuming the identity of his recently deceased valet." Patricia Routledge won a Tony Award for her performance in the original 1968 Broadway production. The Mufti staging will feature an adaptation by Erik Haagensen. Darling of the Day was first presented by the "Mufti" series in 1998; it is being repeated this season in honor of the Jule Styne Centennial.
Beth Fowler portrayed Peter Allen's mother in The Boy From Oz, earning a Tony nomination for her work. She also received a Tony nomination for her performance as Mrs. Lovett in the revival of Sweeney Todd. Among Fowler's other Broadway credits are Beauty and the Beast, Bells Are Ringing, A Little Night Music, Baby and Teddy and Alice.
Tickets are priced at $35 and are available by calling (212) 868-4444 or by visiting www.smarttix.com. For more information go to www.yorktheatre.org.
* The "Musicals in Mufti" series presents musicals in staged concert settings. "Mufti" means "in street clothes, without the usual trappings." Audience discussions follow the matinee performances.
