Jason Alexander to Replace Larry David in Broadway Show
Twenty-five years after the creators of Seinfeld cast little-known Broadway actor Jason Alexander to portray Larry David‘s “alter ego” George Costanza, Alexander is once again stepping into a role David created.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, the Seinfeld alum will replace David in the hit Broadway show Fish in the Dark beginning June 9th. The show was only supposed to run at New York’s Cort Theatre through June 7th, but high demand has resulted in the production being extended until July 19th.
“Not only was I fortunate enough to write for Jason Alexander on Seinfeld, but I also had a ringside seat watching his brilliant, indelible performances,” David said in a statement. “Needless to say, I was thrilled when I heard he was replacing me in Fish in the Dark. Finally I can enjoy the show.”
Alexander added, “I left Broadway 25 years ago because Larry David co-created the show that would change my life and career. It is totally amazing that he also created the show that would bring me back to Broadway. I am thrilled I get to do this hilarious play for him and with this wonderful cast. It is quite simply more fun than any bald man should have.”
The rest of Fish in the Dark’s stellar cast, including Rosie Perez and Rita Wilson, will remain unchanged. Alexander’s performance will mark the first time in over 25 years that the actor was on Broadway; he previously won a 1989 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his role in Jerome Robbins’ Broadway.
A frequent subplot on David’s Curb Your Enthusiasm found the Seinfeld co-creator and Alexander sparring over the character of George Costanza, with Alexander almost usurping David’s own alter ego away from him. When the Seinfeld cast reunited for a mock episode in Curb, David filmed a scene in which he portrays Costanza, resulting in playfully awkward chemistry between the castmates.