Tony Winner Julie White to Star in Theresa Rebeck's The Understudy

Tony Award winner Julie White will return to the Roundabout Theatre Company stage this fall in the New York premiere of Theresa Rebeck’s The Understudy. The production, directed by Scott Ellis, is scheduled to debut off-Broadway beginning on October 9 at the Laura Pels Theatre, with opening night set for November 5. Additional casting and creative team members for the limited engagement will be announced shortly.

The Understudy takes place behind the scenes during the Broadway run of a long lost Kafka play, introducing a cast of characters including a star who doesn’t understand the play, a disgruntled stage manager, a stoner set technician and an understudy trapped in a thankless job amidst all the comic chaos. A biting comedy, the show unfurls as the company tackles its unforgettable dress rehearsal. The Understudy made its world premiere at the Williamstown Theatre Festival in July 2008, also originally set to star White. The actress, who had to withdraw due to scheduling conflicts (she is now appearing in Twelfth Night at the Delacorte Theatre in Central Park), was replaced by Kristen Johnston for the festival debut.

White returns to the Roundabout following her Tony-winning turn in The Little Dog Laughed. Additional stage credits include Broadway’s The Heidi Chronicles and off-Broadway appearances in Spike Heels, Dinner with Friends, Barbra’s Wedding, The Little Dog Laughed and From Up Here. Film credits include Transformers, Michael Clayton, The Astronaut Farmer and The Nanny Diaries, as well as small screen turns on Desperate Housewives and Six Feet Under.