This thread has been an education for me. Is it honestly naive to expect that understudies are rehearsed and prepared before shows officially open? For those defending Stephanie Pope and the job she did on such short notice, please know that this isn't a condemnation of her or her performance in any way. My beef is with a process that would put her in this position, especially since Pippin transferred somewhat intact from its fully-realized and highly-praised genesis in Boston.
Every backstage musical has an eager and prepared understudy waiting in the wings for the star to trip over her hoop skirt and fall into the orchestra pit. I figured that had some resemblance to reality.
A Chorus Line revival played its final Broadway performance on August 17, 2008. The tour played its final performance on August 21, 2011. A new non-equity tour started in October 2012 played its final performance on March 23, 2013. Another non-equity tour launched on January 20, 2018. The tour ended its US run in Kansas City and then toured throughout Japan August & September 2018.
" Is it honestly naive to expect that understudies are rehearsed and prepared before shows officially open?"
Yes.
"Every backstage musical has an eager and prepared understudy waiting in the wings for the star to trip over her hoop skirt and fall into the orchestra pit. I figured that had some resemblance to reality."
It really doesn't. The producers cut back every year on production time to save on money. An understudy is very, very low on the list that is considered, which is why it is nothing short of amazing that Pope did as well as she did, because most of that was on her and her alone. She would have had zero rehearsal time.
I have to wonder what kind of rehearsal time Pope had while at A.R.T. since she covered the there as well.
A Chorus Line revival played its final Broadway performance on August 17, 2008. The tour played its final performance on August 21, 2011. A new non-equity tour started in October 2012 played its final performance on March 23, 2013. Another non-equity tour launched on January 20, 2018. The tour ended its US run in Kansas City and then toured throughout Japan August & September 2018.
I was at the May 5 performance. Disappointed that Patina was out. No post dating or refunds are made available. Although I thought Stephanie was very good, if she is not doing the same tricks and stunts as Patina, then the staging of this revival is changed for the ticketholder. At my performance, Stephanie did none. They should have in place an understudy/standby that is able to do everything that the original performer is capable of doing.
Don't think Stephanie is nominated as Leading Player, but more so for her ensemble track. Lots of ensemble members are nominated for Astaire awards because they stand out.
My personal thought is while I definitely understand at this point in the process Stephanie wouldn't have had adequate (if any) rehearsal time on the acrobatics, if she isn't performing the stunts and such...the box office should offer refunds/exchanges. I mean, Patina is arguably the star of the show and if seeing it without her currently means seeing it without the choreography and stunts as they were designed, it seems unfair not to offer at least an exchange.
Thanks for your comments Ghostlight2. I can't pretend to like it, or really understand it, but I accept that it's how things are done these days. Other than my personal gripe at seeing a fraction of the show I bargained for, it's surprising that the understudies would accept what you described. I would imagine it would be terrifying to know that at any moment you could be asked to perform a role you haven't rehearsed sufficiently.
I've only seen this production once so far, on Sunday as well. While I was quite disappointed to hear Miller was out, Pope did a fantastic job. Unless Miller is the second coming of Ben Vereen, I can't imagine the show suffers significantly because we don't see the Leading Player do nifty tricks.
I'd say that Martin is more essential to the production than Miller - given how little rehearsal Pope had, I can't imagine the Berthe u/s would be properly trained - and so Martin being out would be a situation where refunds SHOULD be offered.
I agree with Jenna. Patina's tricks are less essential than...what Andrea does. Imagine if that weren't in the show. I would be more upset seeing Andrea's understudy. Sounds like Stephanie is holding her own given the situation.
A Chorus Line revival played its final Broadway performance on August 17, 2008. The tour played its final performance on August 21, 2011. A new non-equity tour started in October 2012 played its final performance on March 23, 2013. Another non-equity tour launched on January 20, 2018. The tour ended its US run in Kansas City and then toured throughout Japan August & September 2018.