Lauren Velez to star in off-Broadway play

Actress Lauren Velez is to star in the off-Broadway staging of "The Happiest Song Plays Last," the show's producers announced. Best known for her work on TV's "Dexter," "New York Undercover" and "Oz," Velez will play Yaz in the upcoming Second Stage Theatre production of "The Happiest Song Plays Last." She will replace the previously announced Elizabeth Rodriguez in the role. Co-starring Anthony Chisholm, Dariush Kashani and Tony Plana, the play was written by Pulitzer Prize-winner Quiara Alegria Hudes and directed by Tony Award-winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson. Previews are to begin Feb. 11 with an opening night planned for March 3 at Second Stage Theatre. "Cousins Elliot and Yaz, having long searched for their place in the community, discover the joy in coming home again and the comfort of family, both by blood and by love," a synopsis said. "While Elliot gets a lucky break in the film business, Yaz takes on the role of familial and neighborhood matriarch, nourishing those who pass through her door. Beating to the sounds of traditional Puerto Rican folk music led by the Grammy-nominated Nelson Gonzalez, 'The Happiest Song Plays Last' invites you to spend a year with Elliot and Yaz on their journey to peace and purpose in an ever-changing world." Source: UPI