Kevin Kline Replaces Christopher Walken In 'Mother Courage'

New York, July 13, 2006 -- Kevin Kline is in. Christopher Walken is out of the Shakespeare in the Park production of "Mother Courage and Her Children," starring Meryl Streep.

Walken, who was to have played the role of Cook, withdrew from the production because of scheduling conflicts, Arlene Kriv, a spokeswoman for the Public Theater, said Thursday.

Tony Kushner's adaptation of the Bertolt Brecht classic anti-war drama, featuring original music by Jeanine Tesori, begins preview performances Aug. 8 at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. The production, which is directed by George C. Wolfe, opens Aug. 21.

Besides Streep, the cast includes Austin Pendleton, Alexandria Wailes, Frederick Weller, Geoffrey Arend, Jenifer Lewis and Jack Noseworthy.

Kline has had a long association with the Public Theater, having played in such Shakespeare plays as "Hamlet," "Richard III," "Henry V," "Measure for Measure" and "Much Ado About Nothing." During the 2006-07 season at the Public, he will play the title role in "King Lear."

"Mother Courage" is scheduled to run at the Delacorte through Sept. 3.

Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

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