MCC Halts Neil LaBute's 'The Break of Noon', Production Canceled

The Los Angeles Times reports that MCC Theater has canceled the planned debut of resident playwright Neil LaBute's newest play, The Break of Noon. 'Noon' was expected to get an Off-Broadway bow for the upcoming theatre season.

The Break of Noon was originally announced for a production running January 14th through February 28th, 2009, but was rescheduled for the fall to accommodate the transfer of LaBute's Tony-nominated Broadway debut, Reasons to Be Pretty. Despite excellent reviews, 'Reasons' closed on June 14th.

Reached by phone, LaBute commented to the LA Times that "The Break of Noon" isn't finished yet and that he plans to write at least one more draft. He told the paper that his commitments to his most recent movie projects and the Broadway run of his drama prevented him from completing the play.

LaBute's theatrical agent, Joyce Ketay, said that "The Break of Noon" will have its world premiere overseas in a production directed by Jo Bonney, though she declined to specify in which city or theater. LaBute has been produced numerous times in London, including at the Almeida Theater Company, the Bush Theatre and the Trafalgar Studios. His agent also said that there is "uncertainty" as to whether LaBute will stay on as MCC's playwright-in-residence. "We don't know if he will continue in that role going forward."

To read the full article click here.

Reasons to Be Pretty starred Marin Ireland, Steven Pasquale, Piper Perabo and Thomas Sadoski, the four-person play, directed by Terry Kinney. This year, Reasons To Be Pretty was nominated for 3 Tony Awards, including Best Play, 2 Outer Critics Circle Awards, including Outstanding New Broadway Play, 3 Drama League Awards, including Distinguished Production of a Play and 4 Drama Desk Awards, including Outstanding Play.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.