Megan Mullally Talks Leaving LIPS TOGETHER, Sean Hayes & More

In a new interview with Advocate.com, Megan Mullally comments on her departure from Roundabout Theatre Company's LIPS TOGETHER, TEETH APART, as well as her former co-star Sean Hayes' recent announcement about his sexuality.

Mullally shares that "someday the story will come out. But I think you and I both know that I am not a diva. It's sweet of you to ask me about it, but at this point it's not a big deal. Let's wait until it all comes out organically, you know what I mean?"

About PROMISES, PROMISES star Hayes' recent coming out to the public, the actress commented: "There are totally two schools of thought about this, and there are a lot of people I really respect who are from both camps - the 'so what, who cares?' camp and the camp that asks, 'Yeah, but will this in any way impair my ability to get cast in certain roles? Would I still get cast as a leading man in a romantic comedy if everyone knows I'm gay in real life?' I don't know the extent to which that really comes into play anymore - I think it still does, unfortunately, to a degree, but I think that conflict had something to do with his hesitation. Of course, in real life there's nobody more out than Sean. It was just in the press that he didn't want to say one way or another. I think he just felt it was nobody's business, but I feel like he came to it in his own time. You also have to understand that Sean was 27 when we started Will & Grace, and Sean's character was a sensation from the pilot. He'd never been on a television show before, so that was a lot to take in. It's hard enough to keep your head on your shoulders, which he did, without having to deal with 'Do I come out or not come out?'"

To read the entire Advocate.com interview, click here.

Roundabout Theatre Company's production of Lips Together, Teeth Apart was postponed entirely following the sudden departure of Megan Mullally from the four-person ensemble comedy.

Roundabout's Artistic Director Todd Haimes said in a release that "We could not find a way to maintain the production schedule under these circumstances. We are now exploring options to produce a show for our subscribers as soon as possible."

Earlier, it was announced that Megan Mullally's rumored departure from the Roundabout Theatre Company's Broadway production of 'Lips Together, Teeth Apart' due to disagreements with director Joe Mantello has been confirmed by Roundabout's Artistic Director Todd Haimes.

The following statement was issued by Haimes:

"We were surprised and disappointed that Megan Mullally had to withdraw from the production immediately in breach of her contract.  With the loss of Megan in a four person ensemble, work has been delayed after only two weeks of rehearsal.  We have wanted Joe Mantello to direct this comedy since he staged a reading for us three years ago.  We expect to announce replacement casting shortly.  The first preview performance will be delayed.  The opening night date remains April 29th."

'Lips Together' playwright Terrence McNally also issued a statement:

"Joe and I were thrilled to be in the rehearsal room with these four actors. Joe is my longest and one of my most trusted collaborators.  We have waited and worked for almost three years to make this production happen. Megan Mullally's decision to withdraw at this late date is devastating."

Roundabout Theatre Company's (Todd Haimes, Artistic Director) upcoming Broadway production of Terrence McNally's comedy Lips Together, Teeth Apart still will star Patton Oswalt (Sam Truman), Lili Taylor (Sally Truman) and David Wilson Barnes (John Haddock).

Directed by Joe Mantello, Lips Together, Teeth Apart was scheduled to play the American Airlines Theatre on Broadway (227 West 42nd Street). This is a limited engagement through June 20th, 2010.

The design team includes John Lee Beatty (Sets), Tom Broecker (Costumes), Paul Gallo (Lights) and Darron L West (Sound).

Lips Together, Teeth Apart takes place on the elegant deck of a beach house on Fire Island. A brother and sister and their respective spouses attempt to celebrate the Fourth of July with a gnawing uncertainty that makes their affluent habits and petty prejudices sizzle in the summer sun. In this unforgettable comedy, Terrence McNally does for the beach house what Chekhov did for the Russian country estate.

Photo by Walter McBride / Retna Ltd.