'Bess' star suffers inflamed vocal cords

Inflamed vocal cords sideline 'Bess'Audra McDonald is temporarily stepping down from her Tony Award-winning role in "The Gershwin's Porgy and Bess" while she recovers from inflamed vocal cords, The Associated Press reports. She is due to return July 3. Says her spokesman: "No one is more frustrated and disappointed than she is that she will be out of the show through the end of June, but she must adhere to her doctor's orders." Late Wednesday, a frustrated McDonald said she's endured cameras and mirrors shoved down her throat and must now be silent. She tweeted: "Want 2 scream but not allowed to speak."