TOM TITUS -- Theater

The horrific events of last week, which have dominated the nation’s

headlines, have been felt in local community theater.

The Newport Theatre Arts Center, which was scheduled to open its

production of James Goldman’s “The Lion in Winter” on Friday, has been

forced to recast the leading role of King Henry II and delay opening

night by one week.

The reason? The actor who was rehearsing the part until last weekend,

billed only as “Zoran,” flew to Canada for a visit with his family. After

the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, all airlines were

grounded and Zoran was trapped north of the border.

But, as they say, the show must go on, and another actor -- Tony

Forsyth -- was found to fill the role. Although Forsyth had played the

part before, he understandably required more than a short week’s

rehearsal.

The historical drama, liberally laced with comedy, is being directed

by Stan Wlasick. The production also features Teri Ciranna as the captive

queen, Rick Knolla, Brandon Leighton, Graham Barnard, Toni Loppnow and

Frederick Mancuso.

The show will go on, as scheduled, through Oct. 21, with extra

performances added Oct. 10 and 20 -- two on the 20th, including a new

matinee. Playgoers may call the box office at (949) 631-0288 for more

information.

Meanwhile, if you were planning to check out “Steel Magnolias” at the

Costa Mesa Civic Playhouse this weekend, don’t bother. Both the play

itself and the opening weekend have been changed.

Although “Steel Magnolias” has been done to death locally in recent

months, the playhouse was unable to obtain the rights for its planned

production. So, exit Southern belles stage left, enter Oberon, Titania,

Bottom and the rest stage right.

Yes, good old William Shakespeare is saving the day at Costa Mesa with

one of his more popular comedies, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The show

will open next weekend instead of Friday as originally planned.

Tickets for “Midsummer” may be reserved by calling the playhouse at

(949) 650-5269.

* TOM TITUS writes about and reviews local theater for the Daily

Pilot. His stories appear Thursdays and Saturdays.