Dick Van Dyke injures Achilles' tendon; play at Geffen Playhouse cancelled

"I am hoping I am in good enough shape to do this," Dick Van Dyke said in an interview about his new play with The Times.

Alas, the show could not go on for the actor, who turns 85 on Monday.

An injured Achilles' tendon has forced the cancellation of “Dick Van Dyke – Step in Time! – A Musical Memoir,” the Geffen Playhouse announced Thursday.

The play had begun previews and was scheduled to officially open Dec. 16 for a monthlong run at the playhouse’s second stage, the Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater. 

“I very much wish that circumstances allowed me to share my stories at the Geffen this winter,” Van Dyke said in a statement released by the Geffen Playhouse. “Perhaps there will be an opportunity to revisit this sometime in the future, but in the meantime, I thank everyone for their understanding and support.”

The Geffen said ticketholders can choose between a refund, seeing the Dec. 17-Jan. 2 “Broadway Holiday” touring concert production of show tunes and holiday songs, or applying the cost toward a season subscription.

-- Mike Boehm

RECENT AND RELATED

Dick Van Dyke to star in autobiographical musical at Geffen Playhouse

A step in time with Dick Van Dyke

Life in pictures: Dick Van Dyke

Photo: Dick Van Dyke. Credit: Associated Press

Comments

[Dancing Scorpion]

85...Van Dyke, have you ever heard the phrase, "enough is enough." Give it a rest...

[jagexxx]

God bless you, Dick Van Dyke!

[SicknTired]

85 and still a showman! Hope he recovers quickly. Seeing him as Harold hill in The Music Man at the Pantages 30 years ago was one of the highlights of my life.

[Brooksroberts]

Aw, sorry about the injury, but I remember hearing how the late Richard Jordan, playing Macduff, broke an ankle in rehearsals of "Macbeth" the weekend before opening and did the play - even the big fight scene - using a crutch. Can't some rewriting be done to accommodate Mr. Van Dyke in a chair? Time to get creative? It could still be marvelous.

[julie Runco]

Remember Mr. Dyke the term "break a leg" is just an old saying.. don't take to mean tendons ; ) Your my hero take care.. Were pulling for you.. now that's not pulling your tendons it's pulling for a speedy recovery ..all righty now .. Merry Christmas : )

[Tanya Edwards/Lady Swagg]

Dear Mr. Dyke! Loved all your performances, in television
and all your other achievements! God Bless you in Jesus christ God meanning Jehova Jira! you know him?
peace "LS"

[marjiscott]

How many 85 year olds can stand AND bend their knee while holding their ankle as he is doing in the picture?
God Bless Dick Van Dyke!

[L.A. Voter]

Seriously "scorpion," you have so much hostility you need to lash out at Dick Van Dyke? Who's next, Mr. Rogers? Captain Kangaroo?

I read this story and was just thinking how much I like Dick Van Dyke, and how in his public and performing life he's created so much genuine happiness and earned such worldwide affection -- and there are really not that many people you can say that about. I found myself wondering if the show might be re-scheduled down the line, and how, of all the options out there for entertainment, an evening with Dick Van Dyke, even if he just sat in a chair and talked, would be absolutely worth the price. And then I see your unreasoning lashing-out and I'm reminded, yet again, of all the pointless aggression in this city.

I'm not a back-to-the-fifties type, but sometimes I do wish we lived in a time (and a city) where people were raised to be civil human beings who didn't feel it was not only acceptable, but their scurvy little right, to vent every nasty thought. What could Dick Van Dyke have ever done to earn such hostility from you? What about his being 85 offends you?

Dick Van Dyke is one of those people who makes life a little better. He's the dad many people wish they had had. (or the husband...) I'm happy he still wants to get out there and entertain people and I know lots of people are sorry he can't right now.

[Susie Martinez]

I am so sorry to hear about your illness Mr. Van Dyke. Our kids had given us tickets to see your performance tonight and my son called this afternoon to tell us of the cancellation. We were so looking forward to seeing you and all we can say is that we wish you well and a speedy recovery.
XOXOXO

[Paul Robertson]

Mr. VanDyke, get well soon, we love you! Merry Christmas and Thanks

[Teresa Wentz]

I adore Dick Van Dyke! Much love and good wishes for a speedy recovery. Hope he decides to do another tv show when he is completely healed.

[linda ravenswood]

Best wishes Dick ! Thanks for the wonderful years of entertainment and inspiration ! Hoping you'll be back to your tip top shape ASAP ! Happy Holidays !

[Joy Lipski]

Oh My Mr Dick Van Dyke , I am sorry You have been hurt trying to entertain and enlighten our lives. God Bless You Always and forever,, Just watched the movie Mary Poppins, You are 1 marvelous Man!!! I watch for any movie you have ever done,, Thank You for bringing Joy into our lives,, You look Marvelous!!!
85 never looked so good! , Happy Birthday and many Many more returns!!
I can't compliment you enough, always a very Classy Man!! Wish there were many more like YOU SIR! again God Bless and a quick painless recovery is My prayers for You!!

Merry Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year!!
Warm Hugssss Joy