Geffen Playhouse Postpones THE BIRTHDAY PARTY Revival

Just two weeks before opening night, The Geffen Playhouse has postponed its planned revival of Harold Pinter's THE BIRTHDAY PARTY.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Geffen execs have halted the production after actor Steven Berkoff was let go, with no suitable replacements found before their first official bow on Feb 12. Previews were to begin next week, on Feb. 4.

Berkoff, who was to play 'Goldberg,' was set to star opposite Tim Roth, taking on the "lead role of a piano player living in a seaside boarding house."

"I don't want to disappoint the audience and won't produce anything that isn't up to my standard," said 'BIRTHDAY PARTY' director William Friedkin, according to the report.

Geffen artistic director Randall Arney said in a statement released yesterday: "Postponing the run will give us the opportunity to present the best production of 'The Birthday Party' to our audiences who have come to expect the highest quality from the Geffen."

As of now, it has not been announced when the Geffen will reschedule THE BIRTHDAY PARTY.

The Geffen Playhouse has been a hub of the Los Angeles theater scene since opening its doors in 1995. Noted for its intimacy and celebrated for its world-renowned mix of classic and contemporary plays, provocative new works and second productions, the Geffen Playhouse continues to present a body of work that has garnered national recognition. Named in honor of entertainment mogul and philanthropist David Geffen, who made the initial donation to the theater, the company was founded by Gilbert Cates, and is currently helmed by Artistic Director Randall Arney, Managing Director Ken Novice and Chairman of the Board Frank Mancuso. Proudly associated with UCLA, theGeffen Playhouse welcomes an audience of more than 130,000 each year, and maintains an extensive education and outreach program, designed to engage young people and the community at large in the arts.

For more information, visit geffenplayhouse.com.