I had tickets to see one of the non-Idina shows, booked before it was announced that she was going to be out. I'm now seeing Audra in Lady Day instead, which I wasn't going to be able to fit in otherwise.
If I can't have one diva, I'll have another

Auggie27

Broadway Legend
joined:10/13/03

If/Then No Idina
Posted: 8/30/14 at 11:45am

I'm happy to see this idea of a star "letting" an understudy go on be put to rest. This is a serious business, not a question of generosity of heart or B'way noblesse oblige. Menzel knows well her obligation as star over the title, and she even said, famously, "we don't want Jackie to go on." Not bitchy, not mean, not narcissistic; a star owning her contractual (and moral) responsibility to an expensive production that exists because of her participation. Whenever fans blather about someone sitting out to "give an understudy a chance" I'm startled at the ... we'll just say ... naivete.

"I'm a comedian, but in my spare time, things bother me." Gary Shandling

Updated On: 8/30/14 at 11:45 AM

gleek4114

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Broadway Star
joined:5/24/13

If/Then No Idina
Posted: 8/30/14 at 12:25pm

My statement about Annaleigh is being very misinterpreted. Up to that point whenever an understudy went on it was Haven Burton. So they just switched out understudies.

Famebroadway2

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Leading Actor
joined:9/28/09

If/Then No Idina
Posted: 8/30/14 at 01:23pm

Idina is out for the Matinee today. Not sure about tonight.

Littleshopofcarrie

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Broadway Star
joined:12/9/12

If/Then No Idina
Posted: 8/30/14 at 01:26pm

"My statement about Annaleigh is being very misinterpreted. Up to that point whenever an understudy went on it was Haven Burton. So they just switched out understudies."

I think Laura Bell actually had a standby (Becky Gulsvig, was it?) who normally went on for her, Anneleigh went on once and then was replaced by Haven Burton who also only went on once.

This has definitely been discussed on here before, but what is the criteria for an understudy to go on over a standby?

Famebroadway2

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Leading Actor
joined:9/28/09

If/Then No Idina
Posted: 8/30/14 at 01:31pm

sharona39

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Swing
joined:7/26/14

If/Then No Idina
Posted: 8/30/14 at 01:40pm

Wow - no Idina, James Snyder, Ryan Redmonds or Carmel Dean ( conducting) Is Anthony Rapp back ? I'm taking a friend from out of town on the 16 th of September. She wants to see Idina. Hope she's in for that performance. Maybe I should switch to weekend night.

steven22

Profile

Broadway Legend
joined:5/19/06

If/Then No Idina
Posted: 8/30/14 at 01:49pm

Wow. I wish I was at the show today.

Updated On: 8/30/14 at 01:49 PM

sharona39

Profile

Swing
joined:7/26/14

If/Then No Idina
Posted: 8/30/14 at 02:14pm

I would love go hear how it goes. Great performers.

steven22

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Broadway Legend
joined:5/19/06

If/Then No Idina
Posted: 8/30/14 at 05:26pm

Is Jackie on tonight?

AEA AGMA SM

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Broadway Legend
joined:8/13/09

If/Then No Idina
Posted: 8/30/14 at 06:32pm

"This has definitely been discussed on here before, but what is the criteria for an understudy to go on over a standby?"

A standby will typically go on over an understudy because that is all the producers are paying a standby to do. An understudy is playing some role, or multiple roles if they are in a chorus track, in the show, so it becomes more expensive to put them on as they receive the performance bump in salary as do the swing (or swings, depending on the way the show is tracked) who have to then go on to cover the understudy's normal track. So if an understudy is going on over the standby then there is usually a very good reason for it, such as the standby is also on vacation or ill.

Did you know that every day Mexican gays cross our borders and unplug our brain-dead ladies?

ChrisTyler12882

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Swing
joined:8/30/14

If/Then No Idina
Posted: 8/30/14 at 06:45pm

There are videos floating around on YouTube of Jackie as Elizabeth and she is fantastic.

steven22

Profile

Broadway Legend
joined:5/19/06

If/Then No Idina
Posted: 8/30/14 at 07:18pm

Looks like idina is on tonight...

fyeahmaria

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Chorus Member
joined:11/10/11

If/Then No Idina
Posted: 8/30/14 at 08:43pm

Sometimes producers let understudies go on instead of standbys so they get a shot at the role as well, that's probably what they did for Annaleigh in Legally Blonde. The only time I've ever seen an understudy on for someone who also had a standby was Nick Spangler as Elder Price in Book of Mormon this may. He was excellent.

Sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty.

Broadwaydreaming

Profile

Chorus Member
joined:7/7/14

If/Then No Idina
Posted: 8/31/14 at 01:21am

Idina is absolutely amazing in the role, but Jackie is brilliant as well. I'm assuming Idina is taking some vacation time. Possibly working on her A BroaderWay program. Also, isn't she coming out with a Christmas album? I think Jackie taking on the role for a few shows will be an indicator on how things will be post Idina. I do hope she gets to take on the role for a bit after Idina leaves.

qolbinau

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Broadway Legend
joined:6/29/08

If/Then No Idina
Posted: 8/31/14 at 04:08am

Sorry if this has already been made clear, but are Idina's absences this week scheduled or not scheduled?

Thanks

ChrisTyler12882

Profile

Swing
joined:8/30/14

If/Then No Idina
Posted: 8/31/14 at 10:44am

I believe the only scheduled absences are at the end of September.

steven22

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Broadway Legend
joined:5/19/06

If/Then No Idina
Posted: 8/31/14 at 11:12am

I ended up seeing the show last night rear mezz great seat for $55. Charles was on for James. He did a good job as Josh but I definitely prefer James. Idina sounded a little under the weather but she gave it her all. Always starting over was perfect last night.

Hoping those dates that Idina is scheduled to be out Jackie 100% will be on but with more notice....

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