I've mentioned here that Dick Van Dyke was doing a new almost-one-man-show at the Geffen Playhouse in Westwood. It had its first preview last night and our friend Shelly Goldstein was in the audience. She reports it was a wonderful evening; that Mr. Van Dyke forgot a few lines and got a tiny bit confused during a dance number but that the audience loved every minute they got to spend with him.
I was looking forward to seeing it this Saturday. My friends Vince Waldron (author of the best book on The Dick Van Dyke Show) and Dan Castellaneta (who claims to be on some cartoon show on Fox) and I bought out the front row for the matinee. Now, it turns out Shelly may be among the few to ever see this show. The Geffen Playhouse website now announces…
We are incredibly disappointed to share that due to an achilles injury beyond anyone's control, Dick Van Dyke will be unable to perform in his upcoming show Dick Van Dyke – Step in Time! – A Musical Memoir at the Geffen Playhouse. Obviously the Geffen Playhouse's top priority is to do what's best for Mr. Van Dyke who is a longtime friend and supporter of the theater, and as such, we have no choice but to cancel the production.
"I very much wish that circumstances allowed me to share my stories at the Geffen this winter," said Dick Van Dyke. "Unfortunately, this injury is forcing me to be off my feet for a while. Perhaps there will be an opportunity to revisit this sometime in the future, but in the meantime, I thank everyone for their understanding and support."
The Geffen Playhouse will be offering refunds to all patrons ticketed to the event as well as options to exchange into Broadway Holiday or a season subscription at no extra cost.
Boy, I hope this isn't a cover story for something worse. Let's assume it isn't.