Justin Long withdraws from ‘Other Desert Cities’ at Mark Taper

Justin Long has withdrawn from the upcoming Los Angeles premiere of “Other Desert Cities” at the Mark Taper Forum, which is set to begin performances on Nov. 28. Center Theatre Group said that the actor had to leave the play due to “a film commitment.”

Long will be replaced by Michael Weston, who has appeared off-Broadway and locally was seen in “The Waverly Gallery” at the Pasadena Playhouse. His films include “Garden State” and his TV credits include “Coma” (an A&E; miniseries), “House” and “Six Feet Under.”

The cast of “Other Desert Cities” also includes Jeannie Berlin, Robert Foxworth, Robin Weigert and JoBeth Williams.

This is the second notable departure from the L.A. premiere of “Other Desert Cities.” In July, The Times reported that director Joe Mantello was no longer staging the play due to a “scheduling conflict.” He was replaced by director Robert Egan.

The production is set to officially open on Dec. 9 and run through Jan. 6. The Tony-nominated play, by Jon Robin Baitz, focuses on the dysfunction of a wealthy Palm Springs family. It opened on Broadway at the Booth Theatre in November following an off-Broadway run at Lincoln Center Theater.

A spokeswoman for CTG said that rehearsals for the play have not yet begun.

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