RIALTO CHATTER: EVERYDAY RAPTURE to Replace LIPS TOGETHER at Roudabout?

The New York Times is reporting that the musical Everyday Rapture, based on actress Sherie ReneScott's journey with religion, theater, and fame, will replace Terrence McNally's Lips Together, Teeth Apart at the Roundabout Theatre Company. As BroadwayWorld previously reported, Lips Tgether has been indefinitely postponed following the sudden departure of Megan Mullally from this four-person ensemble comedy over disagreements with director Joe Mantello. The show was to open on April 29, 2010.

Roundabout's Artistic Director Todd Haimes had 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."

Now, two sources who are familiar with Roundabout's programing have indicated that Everyday Rapture is the leading contender for the coveted spring slot. They assert that a deal is in the works but not complete, as Rapture's director, Michael Mayer, and orchestrator, Tom Kitt, are currently tied up with American Idiot, which opens on Broadway on April 20, 2010.

The New York Times reports that a spokesman for the Roundabout claims only that the company "is exploring a number of options for this season's final production that will reflect the quality that defines their mission. 'Everyday Rapture' is one of those being considered."

Second Stage Theatre presented Everyday Rapture last season.  Directed by Michael Mayer, the show starred Sherie Rene Scott and also featured Eamon Foley, Lindsey Mendez, and Betsy Wolfe.

Everyday Rapture is the story of a young woman's psycho-sexual-spiritual journey on the rocky path that separates her mostly Mennonite past from her mostly Manhattan future. Her life takes her from the cornfields of Kansas to the clover fields of New York (with a disturbing detour through YouTube). Everyday Rapture also features songs made famous by David Byrne, George Harrison, Roberta Flack, Elton John, The Dap Kings and Judy Garland.

Lips Together, Teeth Apart was to 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 was a limited engagement through June 20th, 2010, a slot Rapture just might now fill.