Donna Murphy Won't Return to Wonderful Town

Donna Murphy, who has been out of Wonderful Town on "vocal rest" since August 29, has officially left the revival. Understudy Linda Mugleston, who has been playing the role of Ruth Sherwood during Murphy's absence, will continue to do so until the arrival of new star Brooke Shields on September 28.

"This experience of bringing Wonderful Town to Broadway has been one of the most exciting opportunities in my career," Murphy said in a statement. "To be blessed with this wonderful role performing the magnificent music of Leonard Bernstein and the lyrics of Betty Comden and Adolph Green has been an actor's dream. It's a joyous show and I pass the torch with admiration and best wishes to Brooke Shields."

Murphy, who was originally set to play her final performance in the show on September 26, won the Drama Desk Award and earned a Tony nomination for Wonderful Town.