Ailing Mamma Mia! Star Pawk Takes Leave; Mufson Steps In

Mamma Mia! star Michele Pawk is taking a leave of absence from the hit tuner on doctor's orders. Pawk, who is suffering from bruised vocal cords, will be out through February 8. During her hiatus, the part of Donna Sheridan will be played by tour star Lauren Mufson, according to a production spokesperson.

Mufsen has been playing the role of Donna on the national tour of Mamma Mia! for the past two and a half years. Mamma Mia! will mark her Broadway debut. Her off-Broadway credits include A New Brain and Groundhog. Her other theatrical credits include mountings of Kiss of The Spider Woman, The Book of Candy, The Predator's Ball, Man of La Mancha and No Way to Treat a Lady.

Pawk played her final pre-absence performance on December 11. Mamma Mia! will continue to star Pawk's husband, John Dossett, as Sam, Carey Anderson as Sophie Sheridan, Judy McLane as Tanya, Olga Merediz as Rosie, Andy Kelso as Sky, Mark L. Montgomery as Bill and David Beach as Harry.