Oh I'm bummed...Pretty much exactly a year ago I saw Wicked for the first two times with exact same cast Mr. Hearn included, And now I finally have tickets to go back for Jan 31st and was really hoping to see a new Wizard, one that dances and has fun.
Theres no official announcement or explanation floating around for this yet?
I, personally, don't know Ben Vereen, so I don't know why he isn't there. The playbill doesn't list him, George Hearn's headshot is alongside Eden's, Megan's, and Carol's. Why would I make this up? How would it benefit me to say Ben Vereen wasn't in the show? What I will say is thank God...I don't care for his performance styles at all...which, of course, is just my opinion. But, trust me, he wasn't there. No sign of him.
-Vincent
Vincent, I don't doubt you in any way right now. Iw as jsut wondering if anyone knew if Ben would be coming back or not, because i was really hoping to see him in the show.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/9/05
Now it is confirmed that Hearn is playing the Wizard for a brief time while Ben Vereen is on vacation.
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/97409.html
Thanks jasobres.
I'm glad I'm not going untilt he 8th.
Does anyone know if Eden will be considered for that new Tony award? There are so many rules to that new award, I haven't committed them to memory...yet
-Vincent
BluCat, I'm sure Ben Vereen has star billing, if you can go back after the third, maybe they'll let you exchange the seats. If not, maybe Hearn will be refreshed and give a (at least slightly) more entertaining performance.
Actually Elphaba, since George Hearn isn't an understudy, he's a replacement, of sorts, a refund wouldn't be given. Even if Mr. Vereen were back, there would be no refund. After Idina left Wicked became unbilled. I believe for this reason you can't get refunds if anyone is out. Could be wrong though...
I'm going tonight row EE. Went on Saturday night and saw Seycon, who was stellar by the way, but I paid to see Eden. Hope to catch her tonight. And, Ben was in it on Saturday. Maybe he took a leave.
I hope Eden can be considered for that new Tony category. She deserves it. I saw her with the tour when I won lotto in San Francisco, and she blew me away.
"In order for a performer to be eligible for this award, he or she must not have appeared in the role when the production opened on Broadway. "
She can't
is standby for a role considered to "be in the role when it opened on broadway"? She didnt preform when it opened.
Thanks. I'm sure I'll enjoy. :)
Okay I saw Wicked on the 11th and Ben Vereen is in the playbill but there was a slip inside with a replacement, but I lost that part!!! ahhh its probably in the bag that I put my playbill and t-shirt in but who I saw was very good!
Hearn Replaces Vereen as Wicked's Wizard Through Feb. 3 - BroadwayWorld.com
C'Mon! It's right on this site guys and gals! I guess we'll see him till the 3rd.
it wasnt on the site untill the playbill article was published.
edit: and I believe George Hearn started last night since Ben was in on Saturday.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/05
why is Ben gone?
no problems or anything,i was just wondering...
this is cool though that George is in the show for a bit!
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/20/04
Broadway Star Joined: 12/1/05
bragging time: I'm going on Sunday to see Ana Gasteyer's/Kate Reinders's last day(s) in Wicked in Chicago!!! YAY! :)
I didn't personally see Ben Vereen in the show but I met him outside the stagedoor when he was in Chicago for a bit and he was really nice.
myman, I'm actually wondering the same thing as you. I mean, she was the original standby on Broadway, but like it was stated, she was the standby and not a regularly performing lead.
I'm glad to hear Eden is doing well.
Featured Actor Joined: 12/25/04
Anyone know when Ben's contract is up?
I remember hearing he extended until July, but May seems more likely as that's when Hilty's expires.
Would make sense.
i saw the show tonight -- it was awesome. I'm 27 years old and totally obsessed with this show.
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