Megan Mullally Withdraws from the Roundabout's Lips Together, Teeth Apart

Star Megan Mullally has withdrawn from the Roundabout Theatre Company’s revival of Terrence McNally’s Lips Together, Teeth Apart, a press representative confirmed. The actress’ departure, which follows rumors of a rehearsal spat between Mullally and director Joe Mantello, will delay the first preview of the production, which was slated to begin performances April 6. The show’s April 29 opening night remains as scheduled. Mullally’s replacement will be announced shortly.

“We were surprised and disappointed that Megan Mullally had to withdraw from the production immediately in breach of her contract,” Roundabout Artistic Director Todd Haimes said in a statement. “With the loss of Megan in a four-person ensemble, work has been delayed after only two weeks of rehearsal. We have wanted Joe Mantello to direct this comedy since he staged a reading for us three years ago.”

Playwright McNally also weighed in on the sudden exit: “Joe and I were thrilled to be in the rehearsal room with these four actors. Joe is my longest and one of my most trusted collaborators. We have waited and worked for almost three years to make this production happen. Megan Mullally’s decision to withdraw at this late date is devastating.”

Mullally leaves behind co-stars Lili Taylor, Patton Oswalt and David Wilson Barnes.

Lips Together, Teeth Apart was a long-running hit for Manhattan Theatre Club, when it opened there on May 28, 1991, with Nathan Lane, Swoosie Kurtz, Christine Baranski and Anthony Heald. The play ran for 250 performances, then reopened on January 9, 1992, at the Lucille Lortel Theatre, where it ran for another six months starring, Heald, Hillary Bailey Smith, Roxanne Hart and Jonathan Hadary.