Broadway's 'Orphans' gets new start date after LaBeouf's departure

NEW YORK, Feb. 28 (UPI) -- The producers of the Broadway production of "Orphans" said Thursday the play will now start previews March 26, a week later than initially scheduled.

Opening night of the show at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre in Manhattan has been moved from April 7 to April 18.

Patrons holding tickets for the canceled performances should contact their point of purchase for further assistance, producers said in a news release.

The scheduling change comes after actor Ben Foster replaced Shia LaBeouf in the play last week. LaBeouf left the production due to creative differences.

The first Broadway staging of Lyle Kessler's Philadelphia-set drama stars Alec Baldwin and Tom Sturridge. It is directed by Daniel Sullivan.