"Seinfeld” star Jason Alexander will return to Broadway after a 25 year absence -- and it’s thanks to the person who took him away from the stage in the first place.
Alexander will replace “Seinfeld” co-creator Larry David in “Fish in the Dark” -- David’s sold-out comedy about two brothers struggling to accept the death of their father while arguing over who will take on the burden of caring for their widowed mother.
The play, directed by Anna D. Shapiro, was scheduled to end its limited run on June 7. It will now continue performances through June 19. Alexander makes his debut in the show on June 9.
"I left Broadway 25 years ago because Larry David co-created the show that would change my life and career,” Alexander said. “It is totally amazing that he also created the show that would bring me back to Broadway... It is quite simply more fun than any bald man should have."
David, who also created and starred in HBO’s hit comedy “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” responded to the news with his signature self-deprecating wit. “I was thrilled when I heard [Alexander] was replacing me in ‘Fish in the Dark.’” he said. “Finally I can enjoy the show.”
“Fish in the Dark,” which features a 15-person cast that also includes Rita Wilson, Rosie Perez and Jayne Houdyshell, has been something of a Broadway blockbuster.
Despite mixed reviews from critics, the show has been playing to sold-out houses since beginning performances Feb. 2 -- a rare feat these days for any Broadway show. The top price for tickets according to numbers reported by the Broadway League? $497.
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Alexander’s last Broadway appearance was 1990’s “Accomplice.” He made his Broadway debut in 1981, in the original cast of Stephen Sondheim’s “Merrily We Roll Along.” In 1989, Alexander won a Tony for his role in “Jerome Robbins Broadway.”
For ticket information on “Fish in the Dark,” visit fishinthedark.com.
