Latifah pulls out of production

Private sources have told Arabstoday that Tunisian singer Latifah has decided to pull out of the play Shams Wamar. She was set to star alongside Lebanon’s Assi Helani in the Wajdi Shaya production. The singer’s change of heart, sources tell Arabstoday, came hot on the heels of negotiations with Shaya. The the two did not see eye to eye over the fee she was to be paid, with Latifah apparently demanding “a very large sum” for taking part in the production, which was widely slated after it’s summer opening. We have been informed that the play will go ahead with actress Nadine el-Rassi in the role, who fits the bill due to her popularity and beautiful singing voice. Assi Helani remains the strongest contender for the male lead.