SOR Alex Brightman missing ALOT of performances

[PanaroFan111]

Ive been wanting to see School of Rock since it opened, but I wanted to make sure I go when Alex and Sierra were both in. Recently I've been noticing on twitter that Alex understudies have been going on a lot. So I decided to get a ticket for this Wed matinee since I didn't see nothing posted. And to my surprise he was out again. His understudy Jonathan Wagner went on, who I really enjoyed, the rest of the cast was awesome. during the intermission I was talking to the sound guy during the intermission and asked what's going on that he is missing a lot of shows. He shook his head looking annoyed then laughed saying its been like this since the show opened with him. I hear he's amazing in the role and im just a little bitter that I didn't get a chance to see him

[haterobics]

They can't post in advance if they don't know in advance. Sounds like he's sick, not sure what the issue is... nor the surprise, if you saw he was missing a lot of recent shows before you attended yours.

[BroadwayConcierge]

Jonathan Wagner was excellent when I saw him but I'm still itching to go back to catch Brightman. My problem as I get closer to eventually buying a ticket is exactly what the OP has written—he seems to be out more frequently than most big principals on Broadway. Dewey is a gigantor beast of a role, and to his credit, I don't understand why he doesn't have a scheduled alternate. Both he and the show's audience deserve it.

[adamgreer]

Wasn't it written somewhere that ALW offered an alternate to him and he declined? I swear I remember reading that in an article about the show. 

 

His spotty attendance makes me think the producers ought to not give him the option. 

[10086sunset]

On a good week, he misses one performance. Going to SOR and seeing Alex Brightman is a crap shoot. Some here have said the reason is due to the demanding nature of the role. 

[10086sunset]

adamgreer said: "Wasn't it written somewhere that ALW offered an alternate to him and he declined? I swear I remember reading that in an article about the show. 

 

 

 

His spotty attendance makes me think the producers ought to not give him the option. 

 

"

You are correct. It was mentioned in a previous thread about SOR.

[n2nbaby]

Hell, I saw the show in previews the week before it opened and he was out. Jonathan was wonderful though.

[RippedMan]

It's a beast of a role, but I'd say it's not not doable 8x a week. He really only has a few moments where he needs to SING. But I'm sure the manic nature of the performance can be draining. 

[Broadwaypattifan]

He only said in an interview he is only doing 7 shows a week 

[neonlightsxo]

^ He's been doing less than 7 shows a week lately.

 

Maybe he was wrong that his NYU professors couldn't teach him anything. Maybe he should have learned stamina and how to keep his body and voice healthy. Humility wouldn't hurt either.

[musicaltheatrechick]

I saw the show on a Saturday matinee in Jan. I saw Alex perform and he was awesome! Afterwards, my friend and I waited at the stage door and was told that he wasn't coming out. Found out later through this message board that he performed in the show I saw but not the evening show. 

[MadonnaMusical]

ouch to some of these comments. He is AMAZING in the role and has (or "had" until this thread started) a good chance at the Tony... sounds like he should be on a 6 show contract like other leads in ALW shows... because the role is VERY demanding... either way if buzz keeps going this way it looks like Leslie Odom or Danny Burnstein for Best Actor... haven't seen Fiddler yet... I'm rooting for Odom... 

[playbill-love]

I saw him in SOR a couple weeks ago. He said at stage door that he's been having some serious vocal issues and basically only talking during the show and at stage door, and not doing both shows on most two show days.

[pupscotch]

I'm going to second the earlier points and say that he should have an alternate and just do six shows a week, and take off on the two show days. The role is so difficult for him, which I completely respect, and a six show week could be manageable for him.

[Call_me_jorge]

This is his first lead role. Prior to SOR he had only been in the ensemble. Maybe he wasn't ready for this big of a role.

[ZellMorrowsPledge]

Call_me_jorge said: "This is his first lead role. Prior to SOR he had only been in the ensemble. Maybe he wasn't ready for this big of a role.

 

"

Or maybe the role is demanding as hell. 

[Matt1]

Having seen Alex and Jonathan both in the role, audiences do miss something when Alex is out.  He seems to miss a lot more than one performance a week.   I think it is time the producers step in and only have Alex do 6 shows a week.   His performance is more than worthy of a Tony, but being out as much as he is, he doesn't deserve it.  

[@z5]

Went to see this on a Friday night in January...and he was unexpectedly out, which honestly was disappointing. 

[Hairspray0901]

I saw a Wednesday matinee and he was out. Apparently he was in the following Wednesday matinee but then he missed the night show. Seems to be hit or miss. I hope they get a scheduled alternate. I enjoyed the show, & his understudy Jonathan was fantastic. I wasn't going specifically to see him though, but, it appears some are. 

[Pootie2]

I can't find the thread that I thought might have discussed this, but--are alternates paid more than both standbys and understudies, or would the understudy cost more in this case due to frequency (do they get paid double rate whenever they go on, or something)?

[RippedMan]

I think at this point the show has become SCHOOL OF ROCK and not about any particular performance in the show. It's not a bad show. I just think it was miscast from the get go.

[FindingNamo]

Fun Fact:  "A lot" is twowords.

[FindingNamo]

Happy to help!  I like it a lot.  

[BOM]

He should definitely have an alternate. If you tried calling out of work once a week, you would get fired. Why is if any different for Alex Brightman? Just because he is the "star" of the show? I got to see him in previews. I must of gotten really lucky, cause from what I've heard, most people are seeing his understudy. 

[RippedMan]

Does his pay change? How does it work as an actor for his paycheck?