Laila Robins to Replace Elizabeth Marvel in MTC's That Face

Laila Robins will replace Elizabeth Marvel in Manhattan Theatre Club’s forthcoming off-Broadway production of Polly Stenham’s That Face. Marvel, who is currently starring inSuzan-Lori Parks' The Book of Grace at the Public Theater, told The New York Times she is withdrawing due to scheduling conflicts.

“I have a lot on my plate and needed to set some priorities, and I’m very disappointed that I won’t be able to be a part of this wonderful new play,” Marvel told the Times. She is filming a pilot for the new FX drama Lights Out (co-starring theater vets Stacy Keach and Pablo Schreiber) and appearing in the Coen brothers’ feature film remake of True Grit, which begins filming soon.

In addition to Robins, That Face is set to star Christopher Abbott (Good Boys and True), Cristin Milioti (The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter), Victor Slezak (The Graduate, Suddenly Last Summer), Maïté Alina and Betty Gilpin (Good Boys and True, Boys' Life). The production, directed by Sarah Benson, will begin previews on April 29 and open on May 18 at New York City Center Stage I.

That Face is a darkly comic look at an affluent family in freefall. Mia (Milioti) has been suspended from boarding school. Her brother, Henry (Abbott), has dropped out altogether. And Martha (Robins), their mum, manipulates them all. Money can no longer fix their problems—now it's up to them.

Robins’ stage credits include Heartbreak House, Frozen, Tiny Alice, The Merchant of Venice, The Herbal Bed and many more.

The 23-year-old Stenham was 19 when the wrote the play, which debuted at London's Royal Court Theater in 2007 in a production that starred Lindsay Duncan as the mother.