Zambello Withdraws From 'FIRST WIVES' Musical, Scheduling Conflicts Cited

Director Francesca Zambello, who was previously announced to helm the Broadway-bound musical "The First Wives Club", has withdrawn from that production due to scheduling conflicts.

On behalf of "The First Wives Club", producers Paul Lambert and Jonas Nielson said, "We wish Francesca the absolute very best in all of her future projects, but we are moving forward on the development of our new musical. Francesca has always been a member of the FWC family, and she will remain a trusted friend and supporter. Our engagement this summer at The Old Globe was a huge success, we have also learned a great deal from our audiences, investors and friends. With the departure of Francesca, we are now in the process of speaking to a select group of talented individuals interested in joining the creative team, and when the time is right, we will be making an announcement about future plans. Big musicals take time, and we have every intention of giving this one all the support and energy it needs. Like the three woman at the center of "The First Wives Club", we are moving on, getting on with our lives and not stopping until we get what we want. And that means Broadway!"

"The First Wives Club" had its world premiere at San Diego's Old Globe Theatre, July 17-August 30,2009.

"I am extremely proud of the work that was accomplished on ‘The First Wives Club'," said Zambello. "And while other longstanding directing commitments prevent me from continuing on with the show at this time, I certainly want to wish the entire ‘First Wives' team success as it moves forward."