Veteran actress to step into Valerie Harper's role in play

In this May 7, 2014 file photo, actress and cancer survivor Valerie Harper, testifies before a Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing to examine the fight against cancer on Capitol Hill in Washington. The Ogunquit Playhouse says actress Valerie Harp...

OGUNQUIT, Maine — Performer Brenda Vaccaro will replace Valerie Harper in a play in Maine as Harper recovers from an illness and brief hospitalization.

The Ogunquit Playhouse says in a release Saturday night that Vaccaro will step into the role of Millicent Winter in the production of “Nice Work If You Can Get It,” which is playing through Aug. 15.

The 75-year-old Harper, who has battled cancer, was hospitalized Wednesday before an evening performance. York General Hospital says she was released Thursday.

Playhouse officials say Harper is “feeling great right now” and they want her to continue resting and spending time with her family.

Vaccaro has received an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, the People’s Choice Award, and the Theater World Award. She’s also received Academy Award and Tony Award nominations.