Is Chad Kimball ever in MEMPHIS?
I pass the Shubert fairly regularly in the evening, and I haven't seen the board in the lobby without an understudy listed for him in weeks.
If he's out as frequently as he seems to be, I'm surprised it's never been discussed here before.
It's definitely been discussed here at some point. I remember the threads.
Broadway Star Joined: 6/17/09
Apparently, he damaged his shoulder pretty badly, and this past week he's been on vocal rest because his voice is shredded.
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.php?thread=1019954
Thanks, wdwfreak.
I guess this a consistent problem.
Saw the show this past Wed. (matinee) and he was in. Although I did hear he was out of the evening show. I think he was in only because it was the 500th show. His voice was strained throughout the entire show, although I thought his acting was pretty good. I thought he would be in for the evening because he did not come out of the stage door and we were told he was having a meeting on stage.
Maybe they fired him... No disrespect to him in any means, but I highly doubt he can do this show for another 10 months or so. His voice has been shot way before he extended for another year. They should give the role to someone who can handle it 8 shows a week.
Paging Mr. WaymanWong!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He hasn't been fired. According to Chad himself his voice can't handle 8 shows a week and he was told to only do a certain number a week by doctors. This was over the summer so it may have changed since then. His attendance, save the past few days, has been better than it was the past few months. I saw the Wednesday matinee as well and he was straining at times but, to me, he sounded better than he has since the beginning of the year, to be honest. I think he's figuring out how to sing the score so it doesn't kill his voice (more than it probably already has). I really hope he figures it out cause he's fantastic. I've seen Bryan as well but Chad really is Huey in every aspect.
Swing Joined: 7/31/10
Chad has a pretty serious shoulder injury that he has been working through the past couple of months. ClassicalProse is correct he has been experiencing some vocal strain, hopefully he will do what he has to do to get himself healthy. I too have seen Bryan do the role and while he does a fine job, he doesn't bring the same passion to the role that Chad does. Chad is Huey, it is his role, and I hope he can continue to do it for as long he likes and is able. I wish him a speedy recovery.
This isn't the first time he's had a significant vocal problem that has prohibited him from performing. He missed many performances of LENNON.
He was in when I saw the show earlier in the fall, but frankly I'd rather have seen Bryan. I might have liked the Huey character better.
Swing Joined: 7/31/10
ahh, but you are not supposed to like Huey...the Huey character is very atypical for a Broadway lead, he doesn't save the day, he doesn't get the girl...he is an unlikeable and likeable at the same time, he is annoying, he is endearing and yet dense...selfish and yet very giving ....the character is very ying yang...and Bryan plays he part very much like Chad except a bit younger and brighter, but I do not find his portrayal of the character more likeable. He doesn't have the same chemistry with Montego, it is virtually non-existent in my opinion.
Broadway Star Joined: 3/25/04
broadwaylover6, you defined the character of Huey perfectly! I was lucky enough to see Chad each time I've seen the show and he is that character---very good performances. Even if his voice isn't perfect---his entire presence is a wonderful portrayal.
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