Matthew Risch Steps into Other Desert Cities While Thomas Sadoski Shoots HBO Series

Matthew Risch is reuniting with his Pal Joey co-star Stockard Channing in December. The actor, who serves as the understudy for Thomas Sadoski, will step into the role of Trip Wyeth opposite Channing in Other Desert Cities from December 5-25. Sadoski will be on leave filming the new Aaron Sorkin TV series for HBO.

Risch played Channing’s love interest in Pal Joey on Broadway in 2008. In Other Desert Cities, Risch will play Channing’s son.

In addition to Pal Joey, Risch’s Broadway credits include Legally Blonde and Chicago. His film and TV credits include Sex and the City 2, Gossip Girl, Blue Bloods and Lipstick Jungle.

Jon Robin Baitz's family drama, directed by Joe Mantello, is set over a holiday weekend in Palm Springs. It stars Channing (who is temporarily out of the show), Rachel Griffiths, Stacy Keach, Judith Light and Sadoski, who is scheduled to return to the show on December 27.