I think he's really, truly grateful to be doing the show. He was using such beautiful words, and he's been so excited about this since he got cast.
Chitty had such a big cast that like, it didn't really make a difference that he wasn't around. Most people probably didn't even mind, maybe even notice. I mean, who knows if people even care out there? If the majority of the people seeing this even have any idea who he is. I'm not saying skipping out is right, but we also don't know if he ever was obligated to do it, if the entire cast did except him, if they have the option, etc. I don't know if it's just that he's supposed to be there and he's too much of a princess to do it, or if it's optional and would just be nice. It's possible; I have no idea how these things work.
A work of art is an invitation to love.