Ron Rifkin to Return to THE SUBSTANCE OF FIRE 5/20-23

RON RIFKIN, whose performance as Isaac Geldhart in the original production of The Substance of Fire earned him critical accolades as well as the Obie, Drama Desk, Lucille Lortel, and Drama-Logue awards, will step into the role for five performances only, May 20 - 23, at Second Stage Theatre. The production's current star, JOHN NOBLE, is unable to perform those performances due to an unforeseen conflict with the filming schedule for his Fox series, Sleepy Hollow. Mr. Noble is scheduled to return for the final weekend of performances, May 24 and 25.

Fresh off a 3 month commitment to Camp David at Arena Stage, Mr. Rifkin attended the performance this past Friday evening and, when he was informed of the scheduling conflict, offered to step into the role on short notice.

"Despite his reputation, I have always found Isaac Geldhart fascinating company and I am more than happy to have the chance to spend more time with him, especially in such a spectacular production," said Mr. Rifkin. "And if it can help Robbie, John, Trip and everyone at Second Stage Theatre, all the better."

Second Stage Artistic Director Carole Rothman adds, "We're thrilled and grateful that Ron is stepping in to this role so quickly and we know he'll once again be an unforgettable Isaac Geldhart. It's an enormous role, so I would expect that after 22 years he may need to look at the script."

Directed by TRIP CULLMAN, this production of JON ROBIN BAITZ's drama THE SUBSTANCE OF FIRE also features HALLEY FEIFFER (2ST'ssuburbia, The House of Blue Leaves), DANIEL ERIC GOLD (2ST's subUrbia, Ugly Betty), CARTER HUDSON (The Whipping Man), and CHARLAYNE WOODARD (2ST's Sorrows and Rejoicings, Ain't Misbehavin').

Tickets are available through 2ST.com or by calling the box office at 212-246-4422. All performances are staged at Second Stage's Tony Kiser Theatre, 305 West 43rd Street (just west of Eighth Avenue). NOTE: the performance on Friday, May 16 at 8pm has been canceled due to Mr. Noble's scheduling conflicts.