I seldom see understudies in new shows. In fact in recent months, I can only think of one understudy that went on: Michelle Williams when she got sick not too long after Cumming was ill. (And I think I've seen nine shows in the time I'm considering.)
And all hell breaks loose when someone IS out....because it does happen!
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
Jeff Kready was a spectacular Monty! If one had never seen the show, one would not have been disappointed in the slightest. I've seen many understudies in various roles go on for the first time, and I think that Jeff must have been my favorite. He performed the role as if he'd been playing it for weeks. The audience responded in kind, and I was so happy to hear the people next to me complaining about "the understudy that was in" and wanting their money back, at the end, saying "which one was the understudy? they were all so great!"
"I would recommend it someone who admires intelligence and craft in songwriting and fine-tuned direction and performances. It has been remarked often that the main character is a determined murderer and therefore could easily be unsympathetic. His victims are hardly sympathetic, and one of the leading ladies is fairly unsympathetic as well.
But the trick of the writing and performances and the delight of the show is that, instead, you care about all of them.
So, yes, go, even if you don't like Monty Python and Drood. And report back to us! "
I asked about this show back in April and finally saw it! Wanted to report back and say that I LOVED it. I thought it might not be my type of humor but I thought was quite funny and was struck by how talented the cast was. I might be a bit infatuated with Bryce Pinkham now!