"My Fair Lady," Broadway's biggest success this season, has nonetheless been a pain in the neck for its producers, Fran and Barry Weissler.
Richard Chamberlain, whose relations with the Weisslers have never been exactly amicable, is set to leave the show, vacating the role of Henry Higgins, when his contract expires April 2. And there is, as yet, no one to replace him.Christopher Plummer, who was offered the role previously, is no longer a possibility. Sean Connery has turned it down. Patrick Stewart isn't available until September. Also unlikely: Kevin Kline, Roger Rees or Michael York.
Nor will it be Kelsey Grammer, who could only commit for 11 weeks.
"We have to find an actor with the guts and the talent to replace not only Chamberlain but Rex Harrison," said Fran Weissler. "And we have to sell tickets."