Cullum (Shenandoah, On the Twentieth Century, Camelot, On a Clear Day You Can See Forever) leaves the role he created on Broadway (and in the 2001 Off-Broadway developmental run) to star in Wilder, the new Playwrights Horizons musical about a Depression era brothel in the South.
Don Richard will take over the role until Alvin Epstein ascends the throne as the new Caldwell, on or around Aug. 29, a spokesman said.
Performances of the three-category 2002 Tony-winner (Best Book, Best Score, Best Direction) play The Henry Miller.
Cladwell is the corporate mogul who charges residents of a drought-stricken city to pay for "the privilege to pee."
Epstein last appeared as Morrie in Tuesdays with Morrie Off-Broadway. His credits include Waiting For Godot (American premiere), When the World Was Green, No Strings, The Madwomen of Chaillot, Threepenny Opera and more. He was a founding member and associate director of the Yale Repertory Theatre, where he staged over 20 productions and acted in over 150. He is former artistic director of the Guthrie Theatre, and appeared in American Repertory Theatre productions of Loot, The Winters Tale, Henry IV Parts I and II, Antigone, The Doctors Dilemma, Richard II, Pirandello's Enrico IV and Marat/Sade.
The company includes Luther Creek, Spencer Kayden, Jeff McCarthy, Amy Spanger, Carolee Carmello and Ken Jennings.