Jason Danieley Leaves Zhivago in La Jolla; Matt Bogart Steps In

Jason Danieley has left La Jolla Playhouse's world premiere production of Zhivago, which is currently in rehearsals, for health reasons. According to a production statement: "Danieley was told he needed at least two weeks vocal rest and rather than hold up the production, he made the decision to leave." His roles will now be played by Matt Bogart, who joins a cast that also includes Ivan Hernandez, Rena Strober, Tom Hewitt and Jessica Burrows.

Bogart has appeared on Broadway in Aida, Miss Saigon, The Civil War and Smokey Joe's Café. His regional credits include Orpheus Descending, Camelot, Damn Yankees, Camille Claudel, Company, Phantom, Carousel, 110 in the Shade and Side Show.

Zhivago is based on Boris Pasternak's epic novel Doctor Zhivago. In the show, as Russia tips toward revolution, surgeon-poet Yurii Zhivago Hernandez becomes captivated by a stunning young woman Burrows who changes his life. The tuner features book by Michael Weller, music by Lucy Simon and lyrics by Michael Korie and Amy Powers.

Zhivago, directed by Des McAnuff, is set to run at the Playhouse's Mandell Weiss Theatre May 10 through June 25. The show has Broadway producers behind it and is aiming for a New York run next season.