Michael Ball Extends Stay in London's The Woman in White

Michael Ball has extended his stay in Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Woman in White through April 30. The plan is now for original cast member Michael Crawford, who has been on medical leave since January, to return on May 2.

Ball was announced for a six week engagement in The Woman in White beginning February 21. He started early on February 10 and has been with the show since. Ball has a long history with Lloyd Webber--he starred in Aspects of Love both in London and on Broadway, The Phantom of the Opera in London and was featured at the composer's 50th birthday celebration. He last appeared on the West End stage in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, in which he played the lead role of Caractus Potts. His other theatrical credits include Les Miserables, The Pirates of Penzance and Passion. In 1999, the actor was presented with the Theatregoers Club of Great Britain's Award for Most Popular Musical Actor of the last 21 years. He has also established himself as a recording artist, releasing a dozen solo albums. He was named The Variety Club of Great Britain's Best Recording Artist in 1998. Since departing Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in July 2003, Ball has been touring in support of his latest albums, A Love Story and Love Changes Everything - The Essential Michael Ball which features his hits and some previously unreleased tracks.

Crawford has been suffering from an acute flu virus. He is under doctor's orders not to return to work until he has made a complete recovery.

The Woman in White also stars Maria Freidman, Martin Crewes, Angela Christian, Oliver Darley, Jill Paice and Edward Peterbridge.