Fat Pig: production postponed

The Broadway premiere of Neil LaBute's Fat Pig which was to open at the Belasco Theatre on 26 Apr 2011, following previews from 12 Apr 2011 as been postponed until the 011/12 season.

A press statement says the production, which was to be driected by Neil LaBute, and star Dane Cook (Carter), Josh Hamilton (Tom), Julia Stiles (Jeannie) and Heather Jane Rolff (Helen), as been postponed "due to the last-minute fallout of a key investment. This did not leave the producers enough time to reacquire the necessary capital and begin rehearsals on schedule to open prior to the Tony Awards cutoff date."

In a statement, producers Aldo Scrofani and Heather Provost said: "It's our dream to keep this terrific cast and stunning creative team intact as we work to reschedule Fat Pig for next season. The current financial situation did not leave adequate time to maintain the integrity of the show and its marketing campaign. This play deserves to be seen on Broadway and we remain very much committed to that goal."

LaBute's comedy, Fat Pig, tells the story of Tom (Hamilton), a very eligible bachelor who falls for the beautiful, bright and plus-sized Helen (Rolff). Tom is overjoyed with his new relationship but his shallow co-workers are less enthusiastic. Tom shrugs off their objections but eventually the cruel jabs of his acerbic friend Carter (Cook) and Jeannie (Stiles), a former flame, force him to question his own values and the importance of conventional good looks.

The play had its world premiere at MCC Theater in 2004, where it won the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Off-Broadway Play. It has enjoyed several successful productions in major cities including Los Angeles, Boston and London's West End.