The show features nine actors and an onstage 10-piece band

Lennon, now previewing at New York's Broadhurst Theatre, had already shifted its opening night from 28 July to 4 August. It will now open on 14 August.

Producer Allan McKeown said the opening had been postponed "in order to make fundamental changes to the opening and closing scenes of the show".

The musical opened in San Francisco in April to disappointing reviews.

A second engagement in Boston was cancelled to enable further reworking prior to the New York run.

Supporting role

Speculation has mounted that British director David Leveaux was brought in to replace writer-director Don Scardino.

But producer McKeown has played down the reports, saying Mr Leveaux "is a friend of the production and has offered support to Don Scardino and the creative team".

Based on Lennon's songs and interviews, the show is described as "a musical biography, a concert and a celebration all in one".

The show depicts Lennon at various stages in his life and casts a black actor as Sir Paul McCartney.

It features 28 Lennon songs, including two unpublished tracks - India, India and I Don't Want To Lose You.