My Fair Lady Cast Replacements/Absences

[tgirl16]

Does anyone know when the principals of My Fair Lady's contracts end? I want to catch Lauren Ambrose but I won't be able to go to NYC until around December. Would I be able to catch most of the original revival cast in December? Thanks for any help!

[JustAFan3]

Not sure, I posted similar question with regards to Carousel.  I saw MFL May 19th (eve) and Lauren was out.  I was disappointed because I really wanted to see her although her understudy was really good.  I followed all the posts regarding the casting, so seeing Lauren was a catalyst to seeing the show.  Still enjoyed it!

[Emmaloucbway]

Harry Hadden-Paton just finished a scheduled absence this weekend, haven't heard if/when any of the other cast members will take some time off or not.

[Elegance101]

Starting on Tuesday, Clark Thorell is taking over as Zoltan Karparthy.

[MarkBearSF]

Any guesses about Diana Rigg? We're seeing it the Saturday after Labor Day. I recall AEA limitations on English actors in the past. Would this be a factor here. (besides the simple fact of her [marvelous] age)

Also hopefully Lauren and AHP will still be performing.

[VintageSnarker]

Out of curiosity, who was Lauren's understudy?

[icecastle]

The Eliza understudies are Kerstin Anderson and Heather Botts. I believe only Kerstin has gone on.

[OlBlueEyes]

I have no specific knowledge and perhaps should not be speculating, but since it was a seller's market for the role of Eliza, meaning that Bartlett Sher had one of the great roles for female actresses to hand out, and a great number of female actresses who craved the role, I would be surprised if a commitment of at least a year was not required of Ambrose.

Kelli O'Hara, a proven star, stayed in Lincoln Center Theater's production of The King and I for just over a year. I can't see Ambrose committing to less.

[Emmaloucbway]

Just a heads-up, some absences have appeared on the official MFL website: http://www.lct.org/shows/my-fair-lady/schedule/

"Harry Hadden-Paton will not appear in the following performances:
- Tuesday, August 7 at 7pm through Sunday, August 12 at 3pm
- Saturday, September 22 at 2pm through Sunday, October 14 at 3pm

Norbert Leo Butz will not appear in performances Tuesday, November 6 at 7pm through Sunday, November 11 at 3pm."

[oncemorewithfeeling2]

During Haden-Paton’s 3+ week break in the fall, do you suppose they’ll bring in a temporary replacement or just use the understudies (Tony Roach and Michael Halling)? Both are capable and seasoned performers, but not recognizable names when fall can be harsh.

[VintageSnarker]

It will probably depend on the advance. If they've already sold as well as they have so far, there's no need for "star" casting. And if the tickets are already sold, I don't think people are going to try to exchange them if he's not playing Higgins that day. I don't think his fan base is that big.

[SmoothLover]

If an actor commits for a year it includes the rehearsal process. My sense is that changes will be made next January.  

[EllieRose2]

I agree about Haden, they will just most likely alternate his understudy.

[Valentina3]

"During Haden-Paton’s 3+ week break in the fall, do you suppose they’ll bring in a temporary replacement or just use the understudies (Tony Roach and Michael Halling)? Both are capable and seasoned performers, but not recognizable names when fall can be harsh."

 

Is Haden-Paton a recognizable name? :o

[oncemorewithfeeling2]

I don’t think he is. I just see fall vacations, especially ones that are longer, as a time for shows to help themselves if necessary, though I don’t think My Fair Lady is in that position.

[Elegance101]

SmoothLover said: "If an actor commits for a year it includes the rehearsal process. My sense is that changes will be made next January."

That is false. Traditionally, it's a year from the first preview. Doesn't mean everyone here signed on for a year, but what you said isn't correct in the most traditional cases.

[IdinaBellFoster]

This seemed like a good place for this news -

Kerstin Anderson will be taking over the role of Eliza at Sunday matinees. Part of my assumes this was the plan all along once awards season was over.

Link

[givesmevoice]

^ then my timing for choosing yesterday for a return visit to the show was excellent. 

Also, both Norbert Leo Butz and Linda Mugleston were out for yesterday's performance. Butz' understudy Joe Hart was a fantastic Alfred Doolittle, and came across as a little more menacing than Butz did. I told my friends afterwards that I felt a little bit like Hart's Doolittle has killed a man and would do it again. Liz McCartney was on as Mrs. Pearce and she was fine. 

[poisonivy2]

I found this for Kerstin Anderson:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ik3KMUwn5PU

I think she sounds great. I might have to make a return trip to see her. 

[IdinaBellFoster]

Anderson was very good in the recent SOUND OF MUSIC tour. Unfortunately it was another misguided Jack O'Brien production, so she didn't have much to work with. 

[bfreak]

Seeing the show on Wednesday night, looking to see everyone! I think an alternate will help Ambrose's attendance in the long run (even though I don't think she's called out much since those consecutive May absences). I hope Norbert Leo Butz will be back in the show on Wednesday, he's an amazing actor and his Tony performance was excellent.

[ScottyDoesn'tKnow2]

Has Ambrose called out at all since those consecutive absences?

[A Canadian in NYC]

poisonivy2 said: "I found this for Kerstin Anderson:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ik3KMUwn5PU

I think she sounds great. I might have to make a return trip to see her."

I saw Kerstin in May when Lauren was out - I thought she was fabulous!  I would highly recommend seeing her in the role.  I feel she's a bit more age appropriate??  (without knowing her age).  Anyways, she was great and has a beautiful voice.

[poisonivy2]

A Canadian in NYC said: "poisonivy2 said: "I found this for Kerstin Anderson:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ik3KMUwn5PU

I think she sounds great. I might have to make a return trip to see her."

I saw Kerstin in May when Lauren was out - I thought she was fabulous! I would highly recommend seeing her in the role. I feel she's a bit more age appropriate?? (without knowing her age). Anyways, she was great and has a beautiful voice."

Oh tht's great to hear. Actually her voice is what I would normally associate more with Eliza. 

[MCfan2]

givesmevoice said: "Butz' understudy Joe Hart was a fantastic Alfred Doolittle, and came across as a little more menacing than Butz did. I told my friends afterwards that I felt a little bit like Hart's Doolittle has killed a man and would do it again. "

Wow! There's an interesting take on Alfie! 

I'm so glad my tickets are for the week before HHP's break. I'm sure I'd have a good time at the show anyway, but I really do want to see him, after hearing all the praise for his performance.