Ring of Fire's Cass Morgan Takes Medical Leave

Cass Morgan will not be in Ring of Fire when it begins performances at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre on February 8. Morgan recently underwent surgery for an unspecified condition, and she is currently recuperating from the surgery. She is expected to rejoin the production prior to its official March 12 opening. Understudy Melanie Vaughan will go on in place of Morgan until the recovery is complete, according to a production statement.

"We are very sad that Cass will not be able to join us for the beginning of our Broadway journey in a role that she created," Producer James B. Freydberg said in a statement. "Having been with the production from the world premiere in Buffalo, she is an important part of this production. We are lucky to have Melanie Vaughan, who has graciously stepped into the production until Cass has recovered."

Vaughan's Broadway credits include Rex, Music Is, On the Twentieth Century, Sunday in the Park with George, Starlight Express, The Most Happy Fella, Parade and Imaginary Friends. She also appeared on the tours of Sweeney Todd and Jerome Robbins' Broadway.