Sunset Boulevard Glenn Close Illness

[broadwayboy222]

Posted: 5/13/17 at 1:11am

After seeing Sunset this evening, Glenn sounded extremely under the weather. After chatting with a family friend who is in the show afterwards, he was saying that there is a possibility that the show may be cancelled for tomorrow, as they would do that before they would let Nancy Anderson go on. Personally, I think it would not make sense for the show to be cancelled and would not be a smart business move, although I am fully aware with Glenn being above the title that those kind of things can happen. Though, there were times Idina was out during If/Then and her name was certainly above the title. I would also think there are those Sunset fans out there, myself included that would absolutely love to see Nancy go on. So fingers crossed for a chance that Nancy may go on tomorrow! Or at least maybe for the matinee and Glenn can return for the evening? Thoughts? 

[chernjam]

Posted: 5/13/17 at 1:49am

Normally I'd think this was #FakeNews - but with Close mentioning it on Thursday at Live with Kelly and Ryan that she was fighting a cough - this makes me nervous for her.  I hope it's not true and that she rallies and is able to make it through the weekend.  No disrespect for Nancy Anderson - but this has really been billed as a once (or I guess twice)  in a lifetime event to see her as Norma.  There would definitely be some disappointed theatregoers.

[@z5]

Posted: 5/13/17 at 2:09am

They would have to offer refunds, people would be unhappy and in all honestly when i went to see the show, I went because of Glenn Close and iconic role...knowing nothing too much else about it. I'm also going to guess that many others are doing the same. She IS the show, for the mot part.

[RippedMan]

Posted: 5/13/17 at 2:14am

I think the show is actually quite good, so I wouldn't say she IS the show. But she IS this production. The direction/design is good for what it is - a glorified concert production. But why they brought over any of the UK cast, with all that that entails cost wise, is beyond me. Close is the only reason to see this. But having seen her - and she was quite good - I'd probably go back for Nancy if I could. 

[uncageg]

Posted: 5/13/17 at 2:14am

There is a bug going around. A few friends have it. Hope Close doesn't.

[lczvera]

Posted: 5/13/17 at 9:05am

I went to Thursday, and Glenn literally did a pre-show announcement:"I have a cold, but I'd rather to be here than anywhere else." And she still went on. Kudos to her, but I can totally hear the illness in her voice, and not only Glenn, but a few other people also sounded under the weather. So if they are cancelling a show because half of the cast are sick, it's quite understandable.

But if the reason is Glenn alone, it's less reasonable- understudy went on during their west end run, and I think Nancy Anderson is very good. She and Katie are my two fav ensemble member.

Do you think they will announce it on social media if Nancy will play Norma? If so, I may try rush/tkts, since ppl may cancel/ exchange tickets, and I would love to see Nancy as Norma.

[NYfanfromCA]

Posted: 5/13/17 at 9:40am

I have a matinee ticket for today.  Does anyone know what the protocol is for canceling my ticket if Glenn close is out? 

[yankeefan7]

Posted: 5/13/17 at 10:06am

"After seeing Sunset this evening, Glenn sounded extremely under the weather. After chatting with a family friend who is in the show afterwards, he was saying that there is a possibility that the show may be cancelled for tomorrow, as they would do that before they would let Nancy Anderson go on"

I hate to ask a dumb question but why bother with understudy if you are going to cancel show if she can't perform due to illness?

[adamgreer]

Posted: 5/13/17 at 10:18am

yankeefan7 said: ""After seeing Sunset this evening, Glenn sounded extremely under the weather. After chatting with a family friend who is in the show afterwards, he was saying that there is a possibility that the show may be cancelled for tomorrow, as they would do that before they would let Nancy Anderson go on"

I hate to ask a dumb question but why bother with understudy if you are going to cancel show if she can't perform due to illness?

 

In case of some emergency or injury that occurred after the audience was already seated or mid-show. 

Updated On: 5/13/17 at 10:18 AM

[LarryD2]

Posted: 5/13/17 at 10:32am

yankeefan7 said: ""After seeing Sunset this evening, Glenn sounded extremely under the weather. After chatting with a family friend who is in the show afterwards, he was saying that there is a possibility that the show may be cancelled for tomorrow, as they would do that before they would let Nancy Anderson go on"

I hate to ask a dumb question but why bother with understudy if you are going to cancel show if she can't perform due to illness?

 

"

Because Equity requires understudies be hired. But if a producer prefers to cancel a performance rather than play with an understudy, that's their prerogative.

[Wick3]

Posted: 5/13/17 at 10:38am

There may be exceptions to that rule. I remember Neil Patrick Harris didn't have an understudy for Hedwig.

[Sondheim_Disney1595]

Posted: 5/13/17 at 11:28am

Wick3 said: "There may be exceptions to that rule. I remember Neil Patrick Harris didn't have an understudy for Hedwig.

 

The men of Oh, Hello didn't have (real) understudies either. 

[LarryD2]

Posted: 5/13/17 at 11:34am

Someone with a better understanding of Equity's rules than me can explain who is and isn't required to have an understudy. It really seems to be something considered on a case-to-case basis, but I could be wrong.

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 5/13/17 at 11:42am

Equity will often make exceptions about requiring an understudy or standby if there is a big star. Don't know what the case is with Sunset but considering that Nancy Anderson is way too young for Norma it strikes me as a formality - that is, they were required to have an understudy by Equity but have no intention of ever having her go on.

[Phillytheatreguy10]

Posted: 5/13/17 at 11:48am

I spoke to Nancy early in the run and she said unless Glenn got hit by a bus and even then, Glenn would still go on. Also, Nancy looks great for however old she is, but she does play an older track in the show- she may read older than she is. If memory serves Glenn is older than the role requires. I wish them all speedy recoveries, next to Dolly this was my fave this season! Truly not to be missed if not to hear the 41 piece orchestra on that score! 

[chernjam]

Posted: 5/13/17 at 12:45pm

I had wondered that if this should happen if they'd try what great commet did - let people stay and offer tickets again for another performance.  I'm assuming all is a go, since they would've announced by now.  Break a leg glenn and cast for what is likely a busy weekend (being Mother's Day weekend)

[Auggie27]

Posted: 5/13/17 at 12:54pm

Lauren Bacall's standby for "Applause" was Gretchen Wyler, an accomplished artist in her own right (I saw her in London in "Sweet Charity," billed over the title.)  She wasn't in the program.  But she covered the role, and never went on.  

[AEA AGMA SM]

Posted: 5/13/17 at 1:08pm

The Distinctive Baritone said: "Equity will often make exceptions about requiring an understudy or standby if there is a big star. Don't know what the case is with Sunset but considering that Nancy Anderson is way too young for Norma it strikes me as a formality - that is, they were required to have an understudy by Equity but have no intention of ever having her go on."

 

Star performers are not required to have an understudy. My guess is the reason they have an understudy officially hired for Glenn, especially if they truly don't plan on having her go on, is to have somebody who can take Glenn's place in any put-in rehearsals they have for an understudy who will actually perform.

[Theatrefan2]

Posted: 5/13/17 at 2:28pm

Norma, you're a woman of 50, now grow up. There's nothing tragic about being 50, not unless you try to be 25.

And when you are 70 playing 50 the show can take its toll.  She really is talking the role now. And her performance is what its about  I know what you mean about understudies but this role for her is iconic.

 

[bear88]

Posted: 5/13/17 at 3:02pm

I guess I saw and heard Nancy Anderson when she and other understudies sang a few songs from the show at JFK when we were leaving New York.

Anderson, assuming it was her, sang "Just One Look." She has a good voice and gave it her all, accompanied only by keyboard. I thought at the time that the mid-afternoon airport gig would be annoying for the performers on duty (most people, coming and going to and from their flights, ignored it), but that it might be her only chance to perform a song as Norma. She's only 'too young' compared to Glenn Close, but closer in age to Norma Desmond.

Trouble is, the show has promoted almost entirely as a chance to see Close. I can imagine a lot of walkouts and refund demands, but I feel badly at the thought of Anderson never getting a chance. She held my attention in a less-than-ideal atmosphere. But that's show business.

[NYfanfromCA]

Posted: 5/13/17 at 3:31pm

I am here at intermission now, really loving the production.  Glenn announced before the show that she was negotiating a cold and cough and that she would do her best to give the performance that the role deserves.

So glad I am here to experience this.  The orchestra is amazing and Glenn is giving a spectacular performance.

[NYfanfromCA]

Posted: 5/13/17 at 3:31pm

I am here at intermission now, really loving the production.  Glenn announced before the show that she was negotiating a cold and cough and that she would do her best to give the performance that the role deserves.

So glad I am here to experience this.  The orchestra is amazing and Glenn is giving a spectacular performance.

[10086Sundays]

Posted: 5/13/17 at 3:31pm

I love the show itself enough that I'd stay to see an understudy for Norma.  It's always nice to see what moments affect you with one performer that didn't with another.

Honestly, I've been hoping to catch the understudy for Joe Gillis, since Michael's performance left me cold at times and I want to know if it's the actor or the direction.  My guess is a combination of the two.

Updated On: 5/13/17 at 03:31 PM

[chernjam]

Posted: 5/13/17 at 3:49pm

NYfanfromCA said: "I am here at intermission now, really loving the production.  Glenn announced before the show that she was negotiating a cold and cough and that she would do her best to give the performance that the role deserves.

So glad I am here to experience this.  The orchestra is amazing and Glenn is giving a spectacular performance."

That's great to hear.  She's such a classy pro and has been killing herself in this production.  Think about it.  In London, she only played for less than what remains of this limited production.  In addition, with a crowded theatre season, she's been doing late night talk shows, morning talk shows, Broadway cares - to help keep Sunset out in front.  Gotta admire this lady and hope she's able to make it through the next two performances to get to those 2 rest days...

[GiantsInTheSky2]

Posted: 5/13/17 at 4:45pm

If Nancy goes on, I will mame every effort to see her. I've seen Glenn twice, will be a third time, but I would love to see what she does with it.