Funny that you mentioned "Anyone Can Whistle".... Last time we were at City Center it was for that play, but with Raul Esparza and Sutton Foster...... It was great!! One of her favorite actors and one of my favorite actresses!
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/28/05
TaffyDavenport said: "I know it's semantics, but Gavin Lee is Raul's standby, not his understudy."
You are right that it is an distinction worth making, as it's even more than a matter of semantics; they are two entirely different roles in a company. A swing, understudy, and standby each have their own unique sets of expectations and contract riders.
They mentioned in passing during the pre-show speech that they had understudies "in case of illness, which has happened tonight" or something to that effect, and since he's out again tonight, it feels like a safe bet to assume he's ill. Hope he feels better soon and is able to finish the run. Gavin was wonderful.
City Center's A CHORUS LINE had understudies and they only had a one week run. However, Leigh Zimmerman got injured and missed the final dress and the first performance.
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/23/17
jimmycurry01 said: "TaffyDavenport said: "I know it's semantics, but Gavin Lee is Raul's standby, not his understudy."
You are right that it is an distinction worth making, as it's even more than a matter of semantics; they are two entirely different roles in a company. A swing, understudy, and standby each have their own unique sets of expectations and contract riders.
The major difference is that the Actors Equity Association Production Contract defines the duties and pay scales for both "swings" and "understudies". "Standby" is not recognized by the Production Contract. It's a term created by agents and producers to add a certain level of "prestige" (albeit imaginary) in order to sweeten a deal.
Swing Joined: 9/27/21
Raul is out again tonight. Gavin Lee is going on again as Fagin.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/2/10
I was there Tuesday night and we had the same announcement at the start of the show that Gavin just had a few hours put in rehearsal snd here he is. There was no indication thst this was his second standby show. There were two others out as well as noted in the insert..Mrs Sowersby and one make ensemble
I love Raoul..hope he’s ok…but it’s clearly impossible to think that Gavin was not perfect for the role
Stand-by Joined: 12/11/22
The box office said Raul will be on tonight.
Anyone know if he was back? Doesn't he have a Drama Desk interview as well?
Stand-by Joined: 12/11/22
He was back. I saw it last night.
There's a good chunk of ensemble and swings getting taken out by COVID this run... my heart feels for them
ken8631 said: "Anyone know if he was back? Doesn't he have a Drama Desk interview as well?"
that interview was supposed to be on Tuesday but it was cancelled. Email said he had a sinus infection
Leading Actor Joined: 5/19/20
DELETE
Updated On: 5/13/23 at 06:19 PMChorus Member Joined: 2/11/08
And the 8pm show tonight has been delayed due to an unknown tech issue. It's after 8pm and the house doors haven't even opened. Matinee apparently went on ok.
BroadwayPhan said: "And the 8pm show tonight has been delayed due to an unknown tech issue. It's after 8pm and the house doors haven't even opened. Matinee apparently went on ok."
One of the boys was practicing his flips and he fell on his arm and broke it at the curtain line. He could not be moved until the paramedics arrived. So the curtain could not be closed to open the house on time for the patrons. My buddy who works there said that the majority of the patrons were patient but a few had just returned from the January 6 riots. The cast and staff felt terrible for the boy but he handled the situation with grace and courage.
UWS10023 said: "My buddy who works there said that the majority of the patrons were patient but a few had just returned from the January 6 riots."
Excuse me, what?
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