Judy Kuhn Fills in for Star Maria Friedman in The Woman in White

The Woman in White star Maria Friedman will take a six-week medical leave beginning on February 12 to complete her ongoing treatment for breast cancer. During Friedman's absence, three-time Tony nominee Judy Kuhn will perform the role of Marian Halcombe.

Kuhn, who will perform from February 14 through March 26 at the Marquis Theatre, received Tony nominations for her work in She Loves Me, Chess and Les Miserables. Her other Broadway credits include The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Rags and Two Shakespearean Actors. She last appeared on the New York stage off-Broadway in Eli's Comin' in 2001.

During previews of The Woman in White, it was announced that Friedman had been diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer. She had surgery on November 3 and was back in the show by November 10. She then underwent exploratory surgery on December 12, missing a limited amount of additional performances. During Friedman's previous absences, understudy Lisa Brescia played the Marian Halcombe.

"While Maria was eager to remain in the show and perform as much as her health allowed, we prevailed upon her to take this time to complete her treatment and return at the end of March," The Woman in White producer Bob Boyett said in a statement. "We are thrilled that Judy Kuhn, an extraordinary Broadway actress, was available to play this role."

Friedman is expected to return to The Woman in White on March 28.