No Penn --Again

The perils of Sean Penn continued Thursday when he missed another performance of “Hurlyburly” at the Westwood Playhouse. It was his seventh absence since the show opened in November.

“He called in and said he was sick,” said associate producer Jay D. Schwartz. Understudy Jeff Leabow stepped in for Penn.

Penn has been embroiled in a much-publicized split with his wife, Madonna, in recent weeks. Eddie, the character Penn plays in “Hurlyburly,” is also suffering from the aftermath of a marital breakup.

Playgoers who wanted refunds received them Thursday. But one of them, Phil Sotel, said the notice of the change that was posted in the lobby was inconspicuous and informed playgoers that Leabow would play Eddie--without mentioning that Eddie is normally Penn’s role. The announcement in the auditorium of Penn’s absence wasn’t made until “the last split second” before the show began, said Sotel.

Schwartz said that playgoers who picked up their tickets at the box office were told of Penn’s absence. Sotel and his party arrived at the theater with their tickets in hand.

Actors Equity rules require notices of cast changes to include the name of the actor being replaced.

There is no reason to believe that Penn would miss the remaining performances of the show this weekend, said Schwartz. But playgoers who wish to check with the box office at the last minute should call (213) 208-5454.