===========RUMOR MILL NEWS AGENCY===========

May 1, 2000

GUILIANI'S WIFE DELAYS PERFORMANCE

''Due to personal family circumstances, I have decided to postpone my performance in 'The Vagina Monologues.''' statement made by Mrs. Rudolph Giuliani as she announced her withdrawal from an off-Broadway play.

Giuliani's Wife Delays Performance

NEW YORK (AP) -- Donna Hanover, the wife of Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, said Monday she's postponing her performance in the sexually suggestive off-Broadway play ''The Vagina Monologues'' due to family circumstances.

Giuliani, who is running for the Senate against Hillary Rodham Clinton, announced Thursday he has early stage prostate cancer.

Hanover didn't mention her husband by name. She issued a terse statement that said: ''Due to personal family circumstances, I have decided to postpone my performance in 'The Vagina Monologues.'''

The play, written by Eve Ensler, consists of monologues delivered by three different actresses and includes discussion of orgasms, pelvic exams, sexual abuse, sexual fantasies and childbirth.

Hanover was scheduled to appear from May 30 through June 11 with Kirstie Alley and Hazelle Goodman. There was no immediate word on who would replace her, but producer David Stone said, ''We look forward to having her rejoin the show at a future date.''

Hanover has appeared in films including ''The People vs. Larry Flynt'' and on TV soap operas such as ''One Life to Live'' and ''All My Children.'' She also is the host of a program on the Food Network.

Giuliani refuses to discuss his relationship with Hanover despite reports that their 16-year marriage is strained. Hanover issued a statement of support last week after her husband's cancer announcement.

AP-NY-05-01-00 1656EDT< 

http://www.newsday.com/ap/national/ap558.htm