Linda Lavin Passes Over Broadway Transfer of Other Desert Cities for Off-Broadway's The Lyons

The forthcoming Broadway transfer of Jon Robin Baitz's acclaimed Other Desert Cities has lost one of its five original cast members: Tony winner Linda Lavin has chosen to star in Nicky Silver's The Lyons at off-Broadway's the Vineyard Theatre this fall, according to The New York Times. Lavin will also not be able to continue with the upcoming Broadway transfer of the Kennedy Center's revival of Follies, in which she plays the supporting role of Hattie Walker and sings "Broadway Baby."

Directed by Mark Brokaw, The Lyons will also feature American Idiot vet Michael Esper and Gregory Wooddell (Cymbeline). Silver's new play is described as an outrageously funny work about a family grappling with the death of its patriarch. When Ben Lyon’s wife, Rita, and their grown children gather to say goodbye, they learn that despite being a family, each of them is utterly isolated. Ben’s death may be a catalyst that propels them into foreign territory—human connection. Previews will begin on September 21, with opening night set for October 11.

Lavin won raves for her performance as Stockard Channing's wisecracking alcoholic sister in Other Desert Cities, which opened at Lincoln Center Theater's Mitzi Newhouse Theatre on January 13 with a cast that also included Stacy Keach, Elizabeth Marvel and Thomas Sadoski. A shortage of Broadway houses prevented a spring transfer of the play, but LCT told the Times that casting is underway for Lavin's role.

Lavin received a Tony Award for Broadway Bound as well as additional nominations for Collected Stories, The Tale of the Allergist's Wife, The Diary of Anne Frank and Last of the Red Hot Lovers. Her other Broadway credits include The Sisters Rosensweig, Gypsy, The Enemy is Dead, Cop Out and Hollywood Arms.

No dates or theater have been set for Other Desert Cities' Broadway run. Follies will play the Marquis Theatre, with exact casting and dates to be announced shortly.