Alan Rickman Sidelined by Illness; Seminar Performance Canceled

The November 17 performance of Seminar has been canceled due to the illness of leading man Alan Rickman, who is suffering from "an acute respiratory infection," according to the show’s press representative.

“On behalf of all the producers, we deeply regret having to cancel tonight’s performance of Seminar," producer Jeffrey Finn said in a statement. "Mr. Rickman has never missed a stage performance in his entire career. He, the producers and the entire company are deeply disappointed not to be able to deliver a show this evening. We all feel it’s in the best interest for everyone to be as healthy as possible prior to our opening this coming Sunday. We will resume performances tomorrow night, Friday, November 18.”

The Theresa Rebeck comedy, directed by Sam Gold, began previews at the Golden Theatre on October 27 and is scheduled to open on November 20. Rickman stars as a celebrated novelist who goes head to head with writing students played by Jerry O’Connell, Lily Rabe, Hamish Linklater and Hettienne Park.