John Cariani to Star in His New Play LOVE / SICK at Royal Family Performing Arts Space

Due to an injury, star of the upcoming Broadway musical Something Rotten!, John Cariani will be performing double duty as he will step into his newest play LOVE / SICK, replacing an injured Justin Hagan until he is able to return to the production. During the day, Cariani will spend his days rehearsing Something Rotten! and at night will star in LOVE / SICK. This play is Cariani's follow up to Almost, Maine (one of the most produced plays in the country). LOVE / SICK, is directed by Chris Henry with movement by JoAnn M Hunter, original music and lyrics by Bart Kuebler, Chris Henry, and Lars Jacobsen with arrangements by Bart Kuebler, the show is being presented by Royal Family Productions (Katie Avebe, Mary Bernardi, Chris Henry and Andy Theodorou, Founders).

LOVE / SICK will still begin performances on February 6 and open on February 9 through February 24, 2015 at Royal Family's new home in Times Square at Royal Family Performing Arts Space (145 West 46th St.). Tickets are $18 and can be purchased by visiting royalfamilyproductions.org or by calling Ovation Tickets at (866)811-4111. Due to the cast change the playing schedule will be updated slightly now playing Tuesday, Thursday - Saturday at 6:30pm (not 5:30pm ) and Sunday & Monday at 7PM. The show runs 90 minutes.

"Justin is one of my favorite actors and was a part of the world premiere of Almost, Maine. I am so sad that he's injured and cannot open LOVE / SICK. But the show must go on and we decided that it would be best for me to fill his (very large) shoes until he can return. To be honest it's exciting -- rehearsing a big Broadway musical like Something Rotten! during the day and racing out to be a part of a scrappy Royal Family production at night. I'm gonna be a tired happy guy" LOVE / SICK playwright, John Cariani.

A darker cousin to Almost, Maine. John's newest play, LOVE/SICK, is a collection of nine slightly twisted and completely hilarious short plays. Set on a Friday night in an alternate suburban reality, LOVE/SICK explores the pain and the joy that comes with being in love. Full of imperfect lovers and dreamers, LOVE/SICK is an unromantic comedy for the romantic in everyone.

Cariani will join cast members Simone Harrison (Platinum Wigs, Singing Telegram), Dee Roscioli (RFP's Dedalus Lounge; B'way: Wicked), Debargo Sanyal (When January Feels Like Summer. Film: The Magic of Belle Isle, Everybody's Fine), dancers will include Jenn Aédo, Rachel Geisler, Stephanie Israelson, Jolina Javier and Schuyler Midgett. Creative team includes: Shannon Rednour (Sets), Lux Haac (Costumes), Lucrecia Briceno (Lights), Danny Erdberg (Sound), Adrian Pena (Stage Manager).