John Cariani to Replace Biggs in Off-Broadway's Modern Orthodox

Broadway.com has learned that Fiddler on the Roof's John Cariani will replace Jason Biggs in Modern Orthodox. Cariani is set to begin performances in the Daniel Goldfarb comedy on March 15.

“I saw the show on opening night,” Cariani told Broadway.com. “I was sitting there watching thinking, ‘Wow, this would be a fun role to do.' Now I am doing it!”

Cariani received the Outer Critics Circle Award and was nominated for a Tony Award for his Broadway debut in Fiddler on the Roof. He will remain with the show through March 13. Cariani previously appeared off-Broadway in It's My Party…. He has a recurring role on Law & Order playing a forensic specialist. Cariani is also a playwright. His latest work, Almost, Maine, was a big hit for the Portland Stage Company this past summer and is eyeing an off-Broadway bow next season.

Modern Orthodox centers on Ben, an Upper West Side financial consultant whose plans to marry doctor girlfriend Hannah get shaken up by the arrival of Hershel the role Cariani will play, a Jewish diamond dealer that sells them an engagement ring.

The play currently stars Craig Bierko as Ben, Molly Ringwald as Hannah, Biggs as Hershel and Jenn Harris as Rachel. Harris is the only original cast member remaining with the show. Bierko, Ringwald and Biggs all depart on March 6. An understudy will go on in the role of Hershel until Cariani begins. Replacements for Bierko and Ringwald have yet to be announced.