Scarlett Johansson pulled out of a preview performance of new Broadway show Cat On A Hot Tin Roof over the weekend (05-06Jan13) after falling ill.

The actress is tackling the role made famous by Dame Elizabeth Taylor in the 1958 film adaptation of Tennessee Williams' acclaimed play, and the production is set to officially open on 13 January (13).

Preview shows began last month (Dec12), but audiences on Sunday (06Jan12) missed out on seeing Johansson's turn as Maggie the Cat after she rang in sick with flu.

A representative for the actress tells the New York Daily News, "Yes, she missed her performance on Sunday due to the flu - she made it through both performances on Saturday despite being sick."