Profile for AC126748

Yeah, in the space between Bandstand and COVID, there were a number of roles she was in the running for that she didn’t book. The industry had already moved on from her before she became problematic in this way. 

Is there any way to read the full article without signing up or giving the site any money?

McKenzie Kurtz is returning to the show tomorrow night. Jodie Steele played her final performance on Monday. 

Also, it looks like Olivia Hardy isn’t returning at all. Jackera Davis will take over as Heather Duke on December 11, the same day Kuhoo Verma begins her run as Veronica. 

Teal Wicks hasn't played Elphaba in almost 15 years. It seems unlikely she would return to the role at this point in her career. The production also seems to be moving away from the "lifer" casting model where the same performers constantly cycle in and out for years at a time.

It's an adaptation by Craig Baldwin.

The Thursday matinee was always part of the schedule. But yeah, they canceled the first preview due to technical difficulties, and have canceled several since then. The production still appears to be on track to open as scheduled on Monday, though.

It's interesting that Litz has managed to hold onto Fiyero for almost three years at this point (and on tour before that) when all the other principals seem to turn over reliably after a one-year contract.

I feel like this has the potential to catch on and become this season's Maybe Happy Ending, especially if the reviews are strong. While I don't think it has quite the emotional depth of MHE, so many of the same ingredients are there: killer score, strong production values, extremely memorable performances (especially Tutty, who should be guaranteed a Tony nomination), and a lot of heart.

I'm glad that Teal is getting the chance to play Anne on Broadway, even if just for a few months. I really enjoyed her take on the role when I saw the tour in Philly. Her voice is in great shape and suits the music very well.

God, I really hope they come to their senses and retain the intermission. Proof is such a classically structured, old-fashioned Broadway play. The lights-out moment after the revelation at the end of Act One can be truly thrilling. I remember people gasping and talking about it all through the interval during the original production. 

Another dream Florence for me would be Philippa Soo. 

Total dream-casting, no expectation of reality.

Florence: Cynthia Erivo, Eva Noblezada, Lauren Patten

Freddie: Colton Ryan, Jordan Fisher

Anatoly: Alex Grayson, John Cardoza

Svetlana: Lorna Courtney, Kathryn Gallagher

Brandon was out Sunday matinee, Tuesday evening, and Wednesday matinee.

Shaina was out Sunday matinee and Tuesday evening.

Nichelle was out Tuesday evening and Wednesday matinee.

All were back as of Wednesday evening.

Olivia Hardy posted a TikTok yesterday where she addresses her upcoming leave of absence. She mentions that she's been diagnosed with a vocal polyp that resulted from a hemorrhage at the beginning of the run. She's taking time off for surgery and recovery.

Although she absolutely doesn't owe anyone an explanation, I find this kind of transparency refreshing, especially as a way to destigmatize vocal injuries.

https://www.tiktok.com/@livhardy99/video/7564113428940344631?lang=en

For anyone looking to get tickets to an upcoming performance, I noticed that Joshua Henry has scheduled absences on November 3 and December 7. Also, Shaina Taub is scheduled out on November 19 (both shows) and November 20.

I've heard the show plans to remain open as long as it stays profitable. It will almost certainly extend beyond the current closing date in January. I imagine there will be some cast changes if it continues running into the spring.

This show has been kicking around for a decade and doesn't seem to be in any better shape than what was on display in Atlanta. I saw the show a week ago and I literally can't remember a single song. At this point, the best move would be to throw everything out and start fresh. 

Just announced:

McKenzie Kurtz and Olivia Hardy are both taking leaves of absence from the production. Jodie Steele (original UK Heather Chandler) will take over for Kurtz beginning Saturday through mid-November. Kiara Lee will play Heather Duke until early December.

Also, Lorna Courtney's final show is December 8. Kuhoo Verma takes over as Veronica beginning December 11.