Spacey play's start date postponed

LONDON, Jan. 16 (UPI) -- The play "Complicit," directed by Kevin Spacey, is to have its world premiere in the West End nine days later than scheduled, the BBC said.

Starring Hollywood actor Richard Dreyfuss, the show is now slated to start its London run Jan. 28, a spokesman for the Old Vic theater company said. The limited engagement is to end Feb. 21.

The theater publicist explained "more development time" was needed to get the play ready for its debut, but declined to comment on reports that Dreyfuss needed to be reminded of his lines during preview runs, the BBC said.

Dreyfuss, who is best known for his film roles in "Jaws" and "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," reportedly was fired from the London stage production of "The Producers" four years ago before he started performances.

A statement issued at the time said he left the musical because of a shoulder injury.

Upon accepting his role in "Complicit," the 61-year-old actor quipped, "I'm very excited to have a chance of not being fired before the opening."

Spacey, who is the Old Vic's artistic director, described Dreyfuss as "a brilliant actor" when he announced Dreyfruss would be playing the lead role of a journalist who goes before the U.S. Supreme Court.

"It's great that he's coming to London and I think audiences are in for a real treat," Spacey said.