No Michelle Williams

[lovebwy]

Ugh. Actors today make me sick. Whatever happened to the work ethic of Merman? I'd bet you dollars to doughnuts there were nights when she wasn't feeling well but she went on anyway. Everyone is so namby pamby these days.

The Merm could teach these kids a thing or three about being a STAR.

[east side story]

Unlike Williams, Merman was never a hot commodity in the film industry. And Merman, while legendary, was a stage performer in a very different time. You go where the work and money is. Alan would do the same if his television show did not film in New York as well. It's a business.

Roundabout can easily find another name actress to replace Michelle. They had a field day stunt casting this production the first time around.

[The Distinctive Baritone]

We heard you the first time, lovebwy.

[AC126748]

If Williams does leave in August (I've heard contradictory reports), then she'll have stayed through her original contract, as the show was originally set to close on 8/31. She would be leaving early, and despite the four or so performances she missed missed for illness, she's had stellar attendance.

Everyone gets sick, and sometimes you miss a show. Even the oft-referenced Merman wasn't immune.

[AndersonTours]

If an actor gets sick and can't perform they miss a show. It's better for them and better for all the other actors in the company. I was an actor in the business (now send out road tours) and can tell you that is the way it works.
You can slam Williams all you want, but she seems to be having an excellent performance record save a few performances when she was ill. People get sick. It happens. This whole thread is a non-issue. Even the Merm got sick. And you'll have to believe me on that. Why are we holding Williams to a different standard?

[lovebwy]

In 1150 performances of Annie do you know how many Merman missed for being ill? 2.

I just think today's actors are soft, by and large. The Merm always stayed for the run of the show because she was what we call a professional. I have such enormous respect for her. I really do.

[AC126748]

She also took vacations while in ANNIE. Do you begrudge her those? Do you begrudge her the weeks she missed from GYPSY and SOMETHING FOR THE BOYS due to illness?

No one is immune, and being too sick to work doesn't make one "soft." I'm sure you've called out from your job.

[James885]

If an actor is feeling sick enough that they can't perform, I'd rather see an understudy go on than see said actor try and stumble through the show, giving less than 100% because they're too ill.

While I admire actors like Merman and all those today who have such a staunch work ethic, if an actor is sick enough to the point where they can't do their job, they shouldn't be performing. Like others have said, people get sick. I think illness (not something like just a head cold) is an acceptable excuse for missing performances.

[FindingNamo]

"The Merm always stayed for the run of the show because she was what we call a professional."

Most of her shows didn't have exceptionally long runs. And everybody is different. Not everybody has the physical resources of Ethel Merman.

[Sutton Ross]

"We heard you the first time, lovebwy."

This!! This!!

It's crazy you keep mentioning a person that's been dead for 30 years and her work ethic. People get sick, people need rest, people take time off. It's a thing, get over it.