Royal Family Star Roberts 'Doing Well' After Illness Stops Show; Opening Remains Set for October 8

Actor Tony Roberts is recovering from an illness that forced the cancellation of the October 4 matinee performance of Manhattan Theatre Club's revival of The Royal Family. The play will retain its previously scheduled opening night of October 8, directed by Doug Hughes.

“We hope for Tony Roberts’ quick and complete recovery," MTC artistic director Lynne Meadow and executive producer Barry Grove said in a statement. "We have spoken to his daughter who reported that, ‘Tony is doing well, laughing and joking and hoping to be back in the show this week.’ We are awaiting further reports from his family.” The statement did not include any information about the nature of Roberts' illness.

At the October 4 matinee (attended by many members of the press, including critics reviewing the show), Roberts entered to applause near the beginning of the first act of George S. Kaufman and Edna Ferber’s comedy; however, the lines he spoke were garbled. He took a seat on the set and continued to speak incoherently until co-star John Glover excused himself from the stage (in character). A few seconds later, the curtain came down. An announcement followed asking if there was a doctor in the house. Another announcement asked specifically if there was a neurologist present. Several minutes later, the audience was notified that the performance was canceled due to a medical emergency. Roberts was taken to St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital via ambulance, according to a production spokesperson.

Roberts most recently appeared on Broadway in Xanadu and the revival of Barefoot in the Park. A two-time Tony nominee for Play It Again, Sam and How Now, Dow Jones, he has starred in the Broadway productions of The Tale of Allergist’s Wife, Cabaret and Victor/Victoria, among many others.

Anthony Newfeld, who understudies the role of Oscar Wolfe, will play the role until Roberts returns.