The Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles confirmed today that Rita Wilson left the cast of Neil Simon's The Dinner Party due to "creative differences." Wilson's understudy, Anette Michelle Sanders, has taken over the role, and she performed in the world premiere of the play Dec. 2.

Directed by John Rando, The Dinner Party takes place at an unorthodox dinner party in a private dining room of a chic Parisian restaurant. The play is described as a fresh, new, sophisticated comedy.

Featured in the cast are Frances Conroy (The Little Foxes), Veanne Cox (The Batting Cage), Edward Herrmann (Psychopathia Sexualis), John Ritter (TV's "Three's Company") and Henry Winkler (TV's "Happy Days").

A Nov. 24 statement from Mark Taper's artistic director/producer Gordon Davidson said the mutual agreement prompting Wilson's departure came about owing to creative differences. Even so, Davidson's statement said, "We hope and expect to work with Rita again on a future project."

Neil Simon's new comedy, The Dinner Party, opened Dec. 2 at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles. Simon's play will run through Jan. 16, 2000. The Mark Taper Forum is located at l35 N. Grand Ave. For information call (213) 628-2772 or visit www.TaperAhmanson.com.