Score variations

[mrgiovanni]

This may seem random but I have always had this question re: the score in musicals and how different actors/actresses perform them.

I know as time goes on different actors will sing the score slightly different or add in their "signature" riffs, etc. But I've also read that they can't perform them w/o permission? As in the musical director must approve their making the role their own?

I'm just wondering. I love hearing different versions of songs and how they can vary. But what if a performer goes with a performance that wasn't approved?
Again, random, but I thank you for any feedback!

[AEA AGMA SM]

If the musical director, stage manager, associate director, or whomever else is tasked with maintaining the show is not happy with a performance that an actor gives they will receive notes on what needs to change, what they are doing that they shouldn't be doing, and what they should be doing in that place. If the actor is consistently ignoring the notes then they could in theory have a grievance filed against them with the union.