The new American drama, which began previews Oct. 21 at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, was scheduled to open Nov. 19; it will now open Dec. 4.
In a press statement the producers said, "The move allows the creative team additional time to work on the play before its world premiere." New York Post columnist Michael Riedel has been chronicling backstage and onstage difficulties with the show during previews.
China Doll is a two-character play that follows a billionaire named Mickey Ross, who has just bought an airplane for his young fianc茅e as he prepares to go into semi-retirement.
, who co-starred on Broadway in "Master Harold"鈥� and the boys and , replaced , who had to withdraw from the production due to scheduling issues.
The limited engagement, originally scheduled for 87 performances, subsequently announced an extension to 97 shows.
Two-time Tony Award winner Pacino most recently starred on Broadway in Mamet's in 2012-13. That production also played the much sought-after Schoenfeld Theatre.
Tony Award winner (, 鈥檚 , Edward Albee鈥檚 Who鈥檚 Afraid of Virginia Woolf?) directs.
Creative credits includes scenic design by Tony Award winner (, ), lighting design by Russell H. Champa [ (or the vibrator play)] and costume design by Tony Award winner (, ).
"He's in the process of leaving his office, and is giving last minute instructions to his young assistant. He takes one last phone call鈥�," Mamet said in a statement about the character of Ross, whom Pacino described as "one of the most daunting and challenging roles I've been given to explore onstage.
"It's a special gift to originate a role in the theatre, especially written by such a formidable writer, and I haven't done that in a long, long time," he added.
Along with starring in Glengarry Glen Ross on Broadway, Pacino starred in a 1992 film version of the play as well as a 1983 Broadway production of Mamet's . He described his relationship and collaboration with Mamet as "one of the richest and most rewarding," adding, "We鈥檝e done four projects together and the opportunity to create a new character in the David Mamet canon was an opportunity I couldn鈥檛 pass up. Dave gave me China Doll, a new play he had written for me and it blew me away."
Pacino made his Broadway debut in 1969 with Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie?, which won him a Featured Actor Tony Award. His screen credits include "The Godfather" and "Scent of a Woman." Other credits include , (Tony Award), King , American Buffalo, , and .
Mamet, a Pulitzer Prize winner for Glengarry Glen Ross, is also the author of , , Race, , , , and The Water Engine/Mr. Happiness.
Producers are , and Steve Traxler.
Tickets are available for purchase online at or by calling (212) 239-6200.
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