Flying monkey sues Wicked over fall- Page 2

[Tag]

Posted: 8/28/15 at 11:08pm

It's quite possible that this happened in the scene where the monkeys are released, which is a visually busy scene, and someone falling could easily be lost in the busyness, or look like it was intentional.

 

Regarding the flying rig, yes it can be assumed (or guaranteed) that it is regularly tested and that harnesses and wires are routinely replaced.  It certainly isn't the exact same equipment that was there when the show opened.

 

And to clarify the Stephanie J. Block info, in Toronto (the opening of the 1st National) the plan was for Elphaba to fly in at the top of No Good Deed, instead of rising from the trap as it is done on Broadway.  (the tour doesn't have a downstage elevator or trap)  In tech, she was hooked up to two separate wires, one on each hip.  It was automated, and one wire went and the other stayed static.  She basically was being pulled at the same time as being anchored.

Updated On: 8/28/15 at 11:08 PM

[mailhandler777]

Posted: 8/29/15 at 12:59am

I'm guessing she wasn't one of the 2 monkeys that fly over the audience. If she was she certainly would have been visible as she would have fallen into the audience. If she was one of the monkeys in back of the Wizards head it would have been harder to see her fall. 

[IslandBoy27]

Posted: 8/29/15 at 1:03am

So what technique do they use at the beginning of no good deed when the theater has no trap door? Or is the trap door just a part of the set now?

[mailhandler777]

Posted: 8/29/15 at 1:29am

IslandBoy27 said: "So what technique do they use at the beginning of no good deed when the theater has no trap door? Or is the trap door just a part of the set now?"

They just run on from the right side of the stage.

[SweetLips]

Posted: 8/29/15 at 1:35am

To Tag--Having followed BWW  now for a couple of years, I am always astounded on your knowledge on absolutely everything about theatre. Your avatar causes me to think that is you[so cute], so youthful and to know so much that it is always a pleasure to read when you post.

From an Aussie fan....x

[Tag]

Posted: 8/29/15 at 5:17pm

Thanks SweetLips!  Unfortunately my avatar is Barrett Foa and not me!

[GavestonPS]

Posted: 8/29/15 at 5:28pm

Isn't there at least an informal prohibition against spoilers in thread titles?

 

How were those of us who haven't seen the show to know there were flying monkeys!?

[AEA AGMA SM]

Posted: 8/29/15 at 6:11pm

I'm sorry, do we really have to worry about spoilers for a show that's coming up on its 12th anniversary? Is it really a spoiler to state that there are flying monkeys in a musical that is an alternate take on the story of the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz?

[everythingtaboo]

Posted: 8/29/15 at 6:57pm

I'm surprised no actors or crew from the show has made reference to it on social media. 

 

The the intent to sue is there, so hopefully the producers will just give her a bunch of money so it doesn't have to drag out in court. For her sake and theirs. 

[GavestonPS]

Posted: 8/29/15 at 10:14pm

AEA AGMA SM said: "I'm sorry, do we really have to worry about spoilers for a show that's coming up on its 12th anniversary? Is it really a spoiler to state that there are flying monkeys in a musical that is an alternate take on the story of the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz?

 

"

Not at all, AEA, I was entirely kidding. Sometimes my sense of humor is just too dry and I end up amusing nobody but myself. In fact, I don't think we should have to worry about spoilers with any show that has become a hit. I suppose some discretion should be encouraged with suspense thrillers such as SLEUTH, but plot surprises aren't really why I go to the theater.

Updated On: 8/29/15 at 10:14 PM

[Mr. Nowack]

Posted: 8/29/15 at 10:18pm

Gaveston you should know by now that the BWW family is terrible with jokes

[Pootie2]

Posted: 8/29/15 at 10:29pm

everythingtaboo said: "I'm surprised no actors or crew from the show has made reference to it on social media. 

 

 

 

The the intent to sue is there, so hopefully the producers will just give her a bunch of money so it doesn't have to drag out in court. For her sake and theirs. 

 

"

Wicked producers and investors certainly have a crap ton of money...

I don't understand how this works. Isn't there insurance for these types of accidents? Where does Equity get involved?

[GavestonPS]

Posted: 8/29/15 at 10:31pm

I do, Mr. N, but I have to share the blame as well. I know there's no tone-of-voice here to let others know when we are joking. In my experience, AEA has a fine sense of humor.

[luvbrdway]

Posted: 8/29/15 at 10:35pm

Did Idina sue when she fell?

[AEA AGMA SM]

Posted: 8/29/15 at 10:43pm

Pootie2 said: "Wicked producers and investors certainly have a crap ton of money...

I don't understand how this works. Isn't there insurance for these types of accidents? Where does Equity get involved?"

There would be insurance and workmans comp in place to cover medical expenses, but from the report it sounds like this actress is potentially facing a permanent disability.

And Idina didn't sue because she wasn't facing a permanent disability.

[Pootie2]

Posted: 8/30/15 at 12:09am

AEA AGMA SM said: "Pootie2 said: "Wicked producers and investors certainly have a crap ton of money...

 

I don't understand how this works. Isn't there insurance for these types of accidents? Where does Equity get involved?"

 

There would be insurance and workmans comp in place to cover medical expenses, but from the report it sounds like this actress is potentially facing a permanent disability.

 

And Idina didn't sue because she wasn't facing a permanent disability.

 

"

Thanks, that makes sense. Also, I wonder if the rest of the cast/crew wouldn't discuss a potential or pending legal action with the public because they might be witnesses or even a party. 

 

[sorano916]

Posted: 8/30/15 at 9:38am

From NYT (http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/08/28/injured-wicked-actress-seeks-evidence-in-court/?_r=0):

Several members of the audience that night reported on Twitter that they had seen a flying monkey fall, and said the show was briefly halted. Ms. Shulman was transported to a hospital in an ambulance. In an initial workers’ compensation claim included in the court filing, she described her injury as a shoulder strain; Mr. Shapey said she suffered neurological damage

[shrekster224]

Posted: 8/30/15 at 9:47am

I went through PlaybillVault/cast history and did not see a Maia Shulman....does she have a different equity name?

[Justin_]

Posted: 8/30/15 at 10:07am

shrekster224 said: "I went through PlaybillVault/cast history and did not see a Maia Shulman....does she have a different equity name?"

 

Maia Evwaraye-Griffin

[gavyj]

Posted: 8/30/15 at 11:29am

luvbrdway said: "Did Idina sue when she fell?"

As for as I know, she didn't. She fell through a stage door on one of her last performances, correct?