Producers of Wonderful Town canceled its Nov. 6-9 performances. Star Murphy had been advised by her physician not to perform. During that period, Mugleston prepared to temporarily take over the role. Mugleston gave her first performance as Ruth on Nov. 11.
"My doctors have said that this is a typical flu and expect that I will be back in the show on Tuesday," Murphy said in a statement. "It was thrilling to perform in front of two great preview audiences on Wednesday and I can't wait to get back on stage at the Hirschfeld."
Murphy's illness arrived one day after the revival began previews on Nov. 5. Producers Roger Berlind and Barry and Fran Weissler said in a statement at the time, "Despite the enthusiastic response to our first two previews, we felt it prudent to ensure the health of our star and look forward to reopening as soon as possible. We regret this inconvenience and will do everything possible to accommodate the theatre patrons who hold tickets for tonight's performance."
Wonderful Town will officially open Nov. 23. The production marks the first Broadway revival of the 1953 Bernstein-Comden-Green musical and the Broadway directorial debut of choreographer Kathleen Marshall.