The National Arts Centre has taken the unusual step of postponing previews of the two-part performance of Fall on Your Knees by several days.

Preview performances for Part one: Family Tree were originally scheduled for Wednesday, March 8. Part Two: The Diary was set to follow on Thursday, March 9.

They have now been rescheduled to Monday, March 13 and Tuesday, March 14 respectively.

David Abel, managing director of the NAC’s English Theatre, said more time is needed to move the touring show, which wraps up in Halifax March 5, to Ottawa.

“It’s a tremendous distance to move a show that’s as complex as this,” he said.

The NAC emailed ticket holders regarding the change last Friday.

The NAC partnered with four other Canadian theatres to produce the sweeping play. Showings began in late January at the Bluma Appel Theatre in Toronto. The touring performance continued in Halifax throughout February and ends there later this week.

Previews for the play were rescheduled even in Toronto because more rehearsal was needed.

The two-part play is based on Canadian author Ann-Marie MacDonald’s classic novel. Abel described the play as “a cherished Canadian story that is brought to life on stage.” The stage adaptation is six hours, over two performances.

NAC ticketholders have already received new tickets for the updated showtimes. Those who cannot attend the new showtimes can receive a ticket refund.

For tickets visit nac-cna.ca.

By Anne-Marie Iemmolo for ottawacitizen.com.