Shepherd leaves 'Best Man' early

NEW YORK, Sept. 5 (UPI) -- Cybill Shepherd has left the Broadway production of Gore Vidal's "The Best Man" to be with her ailing mother, the show's producers said.

The revival of the political comedy marked Shepherd's Broadway debut. She took over the role of Alice Russell from outgoing cast member Candice Bergen in July.

"My time on Broadway in 'The Best Man' has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I am devastated to have to cut short. Also once in a lifetime, is my opportunity to be with my mother at this time in her life. I am sad to leave the production, but grateful to be my mother's daughter a little while longer," Shepherd, 62, said in a statement Tuesday.

Shepherd's understudy Angelica Page has stepped into the role for the remainder of the show's performances through Sunday when the limited engagement will conclude.