Norma Desmond understudy in Sunset Blvd

[AC126748]

QueenAlice said: "This is absolutely conjecture on my part, but don't forget there is also the possibility that Glenn Close has a standby who is not billed in the program. Usually a star of this caliber in a role this size indeed has a "standby".   Contractually, standbys often choose not to be billed in the playbill. Nancy Anderson is the understudy, but if there were a standby, she would only go on as a second option.

 

"

If Close had some secret celebrity standby, we would know by now. Or at least have heard some rumors. Nothing stays secret for long, especially in the theater community.

 

[Scarywarhol]

Nancy Anderson will go on in the event that Close calls out. That is the whole story. 

[Bettyboy72]

Scarywarhol said: "They would not cancel the performance, and that's an absurd assertion to make. 

 

I was at a performance in the 90s that Glenn was not able to perform. The place emptied out like a herd of Buffalo. It quickly went from a standby announcement to a cancellation announcement. Management will cancel if it's an empty house I assure you. 

 

[QueenAlice]

I saw both Karen Mason (standby) and Susan Dawn Carson (understudy) go on for Close at performances in 1994.

[Phillytheatreguy10]

To quote Nancy Anderson at the stage door when asked if she was aware if she'd be going on at all, her response "Only in the event Glenn gets hit by a train and even then she might show up!"

[Dave28282]

Bettyboy72 said: "
 

I was at a performance in the 90s that Glenn was not able to perform. The place emptied out like a herd of Buffalo. It quickly went from a standby announcement to a cancellation announcement. "

 

That "herd" should never ever visit a theatre again.

[Bettyboy72]

I love Nancy, but I imagine the theatre clearing out if only for the fact that tickets are so expensive. People aren't paying $300 to see an understudy

[GiantsInTheSky2]

Expensive? There are discounts and codes all over for this. I got a perfect front mezzanine view for less than $80 each.

I'd need a backstage tour and a drink from Glenn's dressing room bar to pay those kinds of prices. While a great show with fantastic performances by all, especially Glenn, this ain't the OBC of Hamilton. 

[10086sunset]

Phillytheatreguy10 said: "To quote Nancy Anderson at the stage door when asked if she was aware if she'd be going on at all, her response "Only in the event Glenn gets hit by a train and even then she might show up!"

Hilarious. Nice to read Nancy Anderson is good natured about the situation.

[wendy72]

It depends on the production, but sometimes when there's a major star in the show, they plan to cancel the show if the star is out, and the understudy is there only in the case of a rare last-minute or mid-show emergency. Nancy Anderson is very talented. I'd be interested to see her do the role!

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Actors' Equity requires that all principal actors have understudies at most major theatre companies, and certainly on Broadway. Glenn Close will likely go on for every performance unless she is, as Nancy Anderson humorously put it, hit by a train. Anderson is understudying her because they needed someone to do it in order to follow union rules. Her being way to young for the role only further indicates that it was a "well, someone's gotta do it" scenario.

I know a guy who was asked to be the standby for Brian Dennehy in Death of a Salesman on Broadway in the late 90's. He was told that there was literally no chance of him ever going on unless Dennehy was somehow injured mid-performance. If Dennehy would have to miss one night, they would simply cancel the show (and they did, a couple times). My friend, who was a Chicago actor who did not want to spend a year in New York sitting in a dressing room doing nothing, turned down the job.

[QueenAlice]

Yes but as stated before, Glenn has a history of missing at least a few performances each time she has played the role. As this production keeps getting extended I think it's highly likely she will be out at least once.  She is not superhuman and it's an exhausting role.

[qolbinau]

Bettyboy72 said: "I love Nancy, but I imagine the theatre clearing out if only for the fact that tickets are so expensive. People aren't paying $300 to see an understudy

 

"

Yep - I will be first in line for a refund if Glenn doesn't show up. I'd be interested to see Nancy but not at $300. 

[AEA AGMA SM]

The Distinctive Baritone said: "Actors' Equity requires that all principal actors have understudies at most major theatre companies, and certainly on Broadway."

 

Someone of Glenn Close's caliber does not need to have an understudy, according to the Production Contract.

 

73. Understudies

(A) All parts for which contracts are issued, except parts of stars and "bit" players, shall be covered by Understudies. Nothing contained herein shall require Chorus to be understudied. 

[Dollypop]

David Furr had an understudy in NOISES OFF, however therexwas no mention of the u/s in the Playbill. The same may be true here.

[Lot666]

Bettyboy72 said: "I love Nancy, but I imagine the theatre clearing out if only for the fact that tickets are so expensive. People aren't paying $300 to see an understudy"

That's the thing. I paid the premium price, and I don't think that would be fair for anyone but Ms. Close. But, that doesn't mean I wouldn't stay and enjoy the show if the cover was on; I just think I should get a partial refund.