Jerry Hall will depart the West End production of Cole Porter's High Society due to glandular fever, according to BBC News.
"My doctor has said that I must have a
period of complete rest, but that I may be able to return to the
production in the future," she sadly stated. Hall, who plays Mother Lord in the musical, is a Texas-born model and actress (the London production of The Graduate) who is perhaps best known for her one-time marriage to Mick Jagger. She was previously stricken with glandular fever last year; it caused her to drop out My Darlin' Janey, a one-woman show about Calamity Jane.
High Society, which received mostly tepid reviews upon opening on October 10th, is currently running at the Shaftesbury Theatre, where it is booked through March 25th, 2006. Directed by Ian Talbot, the show was previously at hit at the Open Air Theatre, Regent's Park and in a UK tour. It features music and lyrics by Porter as well as a book by Arthur Kopit (who adapted it from Philip Barry's The Philadelphia Story and from the '50s movie musical that starred Grace Kelly, Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra). "Just One of Those Things," "I Love Paris" and "True Love" are among the songs featured in the show.
"Wealthy, elegant and priggish, Tracy Lord is about to embark
on her second marriage to a successful but stuffy businessman. Her
first husband, notorious socialite Dexter Haven, reappears attempting
to win back his wife. Meanwhile, little-known tabloid reporter Mike
Konner, also falls for Tracy while covering her nuptials for his magazine. Tracy must choose between the three men," state press notes. The cast also includes Graham
Bickley (Dexter Haven), Mike Connor (Paul Robinson), Ria Jones (Liz Imbrie), James Jordan (Seth Lord), Royston Kean
(Uncle Willie), Katherine Kingsley (Tracy Lord), Claire Redcliffe
(Dinah Lord) and Bryan Torfeh (George Kittredge).
The production's set and costume designs are by Paul Farnsworth, musical direction is by
James Dunsmore, choreography is by Gillian Gregory and lighting design
by Jason Taylor.A Broadway production of High Society, which ran for 144 performances in 1998, starred Melissa Errico, Marc Kudisch, Stephen Bogardus, John McMartin, Randy Graff and others.