Injury knocks Jeff Tambor out of 'La Cage'

NEW YORK, Feb. 26 (UPI) -- Jeffrey Tambor has withdrawn from the Broadway revival "La Cage au Folles" due to a bad hip, the show's producers said.

A written statement this week said the 66-year-old actor was experiencing complications from recent surgery and would not be able to soldier on in the role of Georges, the nightclub emcee.

"The pain and the challenge of performing in a musical eight times a week proved to be too physically demanding," the statement said. "We respect his talent enormously and regretfully accept his withdrawal from the production."

Tambor, who had starring roles in the television series "Arrested Development" and "The Larry Sanders Show," replaced Kelsey Grammer in "La Cage" about a week ago.

Entertainment Weekly said Saturday understudy Chris Hoch has been moved into the starting lineup while the producers consider a permanent replacement.