Rodney Hicks in COME FROM AWAY

[ACL2006]

Rodney Hicks has apparently been out of the show now for four weeks. He took his scheduled vacation from June 15 - 28, but has yet to return to the show. He has his own show that's in development and had a reading this past week. Josh Breckenridge has been on for him since June 15, but isn't there an equity rule that the same understudy can't go on for the same performer longer than three weeks? Anyone know if Rodney is ok? Could he be out on a medical leave?

[WaffleOnWheels]

Rodney has been posting as usual on his social media, and has been posting Instagram stories where he appears to be at rehearsal for his show.

It's for sure bizarre, and I would think that his contract is still a while away from expiring.

 

 

[Fosse76]

He's having vocal problems. It's not known when he will return. 

[TheQuibbler]

When I saw the show, Hicks' voice sounded like he was sucking in air as he was speaking/singing, creating a strange vocal fry sound. Is this a choice based on the person he's playing, perhaps a result of vocal strain or simply his own voice? Maybe someone more familiar than I with the show or with Mr. Hicks can answer the question.

[ChairinMain]

I know exactly what you're talking about and He was doing it consistantly throughout the show no matter what character he was playing, so it was either just his voice or he was working through some pain.

[canadian fan]

When we saw the show in May I was confused by his voice. I honestly thought he had a speech impediment of some sort. I did find it hard to understand what he was saying at times. 

[BroomstickBoy]

I know what you're talking about, too. I think it's a vocal tic that he's developed over the years.

I heard his episode of Keith Price's Curtain Call podcast (Caesar Samayoa also did an interview on the podcast), and Rodney had said he has some vocal issues from complications from PTSD. His voice became affected a few years ago, and he's since been working on it through meditation and with a vocal coach to regain his vocal stamina. There's still a struggle, you can hear it as he speaks very slowly and carefully in interviews, so I would imagine going through it on stage requires a lot of effort.

[Phantom4ever]

His voice made my eyes water throughout the show. It seemed like a shtick that he was doing but it was very painful to listen to.  

[ACL2006]

Rodney posted on Instagram that he's officially left the show. Didn't say why but I'm assuming he has some serious vocal damage. De'Lon Grant will be taking over the role of Bob, just don't know when he's starting.

[BroadwayConcierge]

^ Link to the above post: https://www.instagram.com/p/BWiuNbBFM57/

[poisonivy2]

That's a shame. When I saw the show Rodney Hicks' sense of humor and timing was one of the things that prevented this show from becoming treacly. Hope his voice recovers and he comes back to the stage. 

[Margo319]

Both times I've seen the show, his understudy was on.  I saw the show about a month ago, and Rodney was in the back, watching the show from the standing room area.  I told him how much I loved his work and he whispered back "thank you so much".  So, obviously something terrible has happened with his voice, and I sincerely hope he recovers.  Steve Kazee never came back to Broadway after his vocal injury, I really hope Rodney heals completely at some point.

[DottieD'Luscia]

That's much too bad. I didn't detect any vocal distress when I saw the show twice in DC last October.

[elpielovesblackfish2]

Is there an official start date set for Rodney's replacement?

[ACL2006]

It look like it's being planned for August 8. I'll keep things updated if that changes.

[froote]

Oh I feel awful for him. I did think his speech was weird when I saw the show in May but I wasn't sure if it was a character choice, as I'd remembered watching him in the Rent documentary and he spoke normally. 

Really hope he recovers.

[rwkpa26]

How is his understudy? Seeing the show next Thursday. 

[freewilma]

I saw his terrific understudy on July 2.  He did a great job and it's such an ensemble show, I'd never have known he wasn't the primary actor if I didn't have a notice in my playbill.  

[JPeterman]

I saw his understudy, Josh Breckinridge, this past Friday.  I thought he was great.  He can sing, he can dance .... and he has great comedic timing.  I also had Tony Lepage in for Chad Kimball.  You would never have guessed he was an understudy.  They were both great.

 

I think  the only actors I would really miss would be Jenn Collela or maybe Lee MacDougall.

[Nycat63]

Is there any reason they couldn't (or wouldn't) just give the role to Josh Breckenridge?  I saw CFA when Rodney had just left on vacation and Josh was spectacular.  Actually he was one of the highlights among an already very strong cast.  Sometimes even with a very good understudy you feel some difference in the chemistry with the other actors but his was excellent, as though he'd been in the role all along.  Just wondering if there's some equity issue or something that would preclude making him the permanent replacement.  

[broadway_show_fan]

Probably because of all the time, energy, and money spent on Josh Breckinridge training as a swing. By now, he has several tracks down and a new person can (and has been) hired as just "Bob and others" track, not someone who then has to learn 5 or so tracks.

[ACL2006]

Josh covers 5 out of 6 of the male roles. Much easier to just have Josh temp. take on the role of Bob and bring in someone new for the role then to bump Josh up and then have to rehearse a new swing for all five roles.

[Nycat63]

ACL2006 said: "Josh covers 5 out of 6 of the male roles. Much easier to just have Josh temp. take on the role of Bob and bring in someone new for the role then to bump Josh up and then have to rehearse a new swing for all five roles.

 

My bad - hadn't gone back to the Playbill to see that he was a swing.  Was thinking he only understudied Rodney.  Guess that wouldn't make much sense.  Didn't think before typing!  Thanks all!

 

[elpielovesblackfish2]

As of tonight, Rodney Hicks is still listed in the playbill as the lead. 

[ACL2006]

I'd assume it'll remain that way until De'Lon Grant takes over. The show must of gotten permission from AEA for Josh to go on in the role for what will be 8 weeks straight.