So I was watching a live stream from Andrew B Feldman (current Evan on DEH Broadway) and he was also with Gabi Carruba (Zoe and Alana U/S) and someone asked what her dream role she could never play was and she responded "Evan Hansen" but then Andrew said something like "Well you are 2nd u/s so who knows?" Does that mean that Gabi is the second understudy for Evan? I thought it didn't really make sense and I was missing something but it got me wondering if females were ever set as Understudies for Male Roles in this show or in general?
For Once on This Island, Asaka (traditionally female role) was perfromed by Alex Newell (male) and understudies were Aurelia Williams (female), Cicily Daniels (female), Ximone Rose (female).
Also, Papa Ge (traditionally male role) was performed by Merle Dandridge (female) and understudies were T. Oliver Reid (male) and Allan Washington (male)
In London's most recent revival of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Adelphi Theatre there was a female member of the ensemble who was first understudy for Benjamin.
The School of Rock parents were understudied by different people. Sometimes kids had a male and female parents, or sometimes they had gay dads, or gay moms...They didn't seem to mind about any of that.
"Ok ok ok ok ok ok ok. Have you guys heard about fidget spinners!?" ~Patti LuPone
I didn't see it myself, but I have a vague memory that for Thoroughly Modern Millie, one of the Chinese "brothers" was sometimes swapped out for a sister in the case of understudies.
I believe you are correct. The smaller of the two roles, Bun Foo, understudied his brother Ching Ho. Darren Lee then also understudied both brothers and finally Joann M. Hunter understudied Bun Foo.
I agree, although the jokes about secret gay email accounts may be slightly limited but I feel like that could be played with. Although since Connor would still be a male, it would sort of take away that aspect altogether . Maybe like a secret relationship email account? Then she could be like dude I’m gay.