Marsha Mason, a Broadway veteran and four-time Academy Award-nominated actor, made an unexpected stage appearance on Sept. 15. Mason, who is the associate director of Jen Silverman’s two-hander “The Roommate,” stepped into the role of Sharon in the comedy, filling in for Mia Farrow, who on Sept. 14 tested positive for COVID-19; both performances on that day were canceled.
Patti LuPone co-stars as Robyn in the comedy, which is directed by Jack O’Brien and opened on Sept. 12 at the Booth Theatre. Mason performed during the Sept. 15 performance with a script in hand.
“I was called to step in by the producers while enjoying a lovely Sunday morning in Connecticut, and of course, came right to the city,” said Mason in a statement. “These moments in the theater are equally exciting and terrifying, and the audience helped make it a fun ride. I was exhilarated to play opposite Patti and especially heartened to be able to pinch hit for my Connecticut dear friend and neighbor, Mia, who is quite marvelous in the role.”
It is currently not known how long Farrow will be out of the show and whether Mason will continue to fill in. Carol Halstead is credited as the understudy for both of the play’s roles.
“The Roommate” is produced by Chris Harper, Nelle Nugent and Kenneth Teaton.
