Broadway.com has learned that understudy Tom Nelis is playing the leading role of Anton Schell opposite 2015 Tony nominee Chita Rivera in The Visit for a number of performances. A spokesperson said that Nelis has not replaced Roger Rees in the Tony nominated tuner and that no further information is available at this time. The production is playing at Broadway's Lyceum Theatre.
Nelis has also been seen on the Great White Way in Enron, The Caine Mutiny Court Martial and Aida.
John Kander and Fred Ebb’s The Visit is based on the classic Friedrich Dürrenmatt play (adapted by Maurice Valency) and features a book by Terrence McNally, with music by Kander and lyrics by Ebb. Claire Zachanassian is an often-widowed millionairess who pays a visit to her hardship-stricken birthplace. The locals hope she’ll bring them a new lease on life, but little do they know her offer to revitalize the town comes at a dreadful price.
Directed by John Doyle and choreographed by Graciela Daniele, the production also features George Abud, Jason Danieley, Matthew Deming, Diana Dimarzio, David Garrison, Rick Holmes, Chris Newcomer, Mary Beth Peil, Aaron Ramey, Elena Shadow, Timothy Shew, John Riddle and Michelle Veintimilla.
Along with Best Musical and Best Leading Actress for Rivera, The Visit received 2015 Tony nominations for Best Score for Kander & Ebb, Best Book of a Musical for McNally and Best Lighting Design for Japhy Weideman.