He has every show I think. No guarantees of course. It's not a crowded one and he, and the rest of the cast, take time for everyone. They're all awesome, kind people.
Skimbleshanks2 said: "I love ANDY but he's had multiple flops under his belt and I worry that he'll struggle to find another leading role of this caliber... I wonder if he'll want to take a break from Broadway?? After all this drama and the Tony loss I wouldn't be surprised ...
also is ORFEH his social media manager? His social accounts are basically just reposts of all of her stuff...
Kara Lee Sweeny said: "Skimbleshanks2 said: "also is ORFEH his social media manager? His social accounts are basically just reposts of all of her stuff... "
I wonder the same thing about the reposts....."
Not sure why it matters, but I don't think she is. I get the impression he just isn't a big fan of social media, which is completely understandable, so it's easier to just retweet/post hers and keep it only work related. They're married, of course they're going to support each other, which means tweeting about the same things.
FWIW, while he was in London he seemed more active in terms of non-work related posts, but being in NYC he has more to do than post all day.
ETA - Callum - Did you make it to the show yet? If so, what did you think?
"
I did! Got a rush ticket last Sunday but was unfortunately all the way back in Row X of the orchestra. I loved the show while I was watching it, extremely fresh and well-conceived and smart. And also unexpectedly dark, although I've seen the movie, I forgot about the suicide phase, so I thought they played that just right between black humour and some pathos for Phil. And what's more to be said about Andy Karl - he was great!
But, there is the old cliche that if you can't remember any of the songs as you're leaving the theatre then it wasn't a good musical - and I have to say that I couldn't. But still, I wouldn't write the whole thing off due to lack of an earworm!
All in all, I don't regret seeing it but can't imagine myself wanting to see it again.
And also - maybe there was something off on the day I saw it. I was quite far back, so was difficult to get any sense of atmosphere in the theatre. The applause and clapping was fairly subdued and there were quite a few patches of empty seats. It almost felt as if the audience didn't particularly want to be there. Still, that is not the fault of the company but nevertheless affected my experience.
I'm going on Monday evening and was hoping to stage door.
A few questions - Where is the stage door for the August Wilson theater? About how long does it take for actors to come out?
It's been *years* since I've stage door-ed for a Broadway show - some of the last ones I did were Aida and Rent!. I'll admit I'm shy about it. On a Monday night am I likely to see other people at the stage door? It sounds like Andy does the stage door thing a lot - my impression is it's okay to ask for a signed playbill and/or getting a picture for him? (If he's in a rush, obviously that's cool too).
I got really into the OBC recording a few weeks ago. I live in California, but luckily I'm able to make a stop in New York on my way to visiting family in Western Massachusetts. This is likely the only opportunity I'll have to see the show, so I'm really crossing my fingers that Andy is on Monday night (but if it's Andrew Call, I'm open to seeing what is Phil is like as well)
Kitsune said: "I'm going on Monday evening and was hoping to stage door.
A few questions - Where is the stage door for the August Wilson theater? About how long does it take for actors to come out?
It's been *years* since I've stage door-ed for a Broadway show - some of the last ones I did were Aida and Rent!. I'll admit I'm shy about it. On a Monday night am I likely to see other people at the stage door? It sounds like Andy does the stage door thing a lot - my impression is it's okay to ask for a signed playbill and/or getting a picture for him? (If he's in a rush, obviously that's cool too).
I got really into the OBC recording a few weeks ago. I live in California, but luckily I'm able to make a stop in New York on my way to visiting family in Western Massachusetts. This is likely the only opportunity I'll have to see the show, so I'm really crossing my fingers that Andy is on Monday night (but if it's Andrew Call, I'm open to seeing what is Phil is like as well)
"The stagedoor for GHD is an extremely pleasant experience. The cast is very friendly and Andy is very generous with his time. Perfectly ok to ask for both a signed playbill (he will just do it automatically) and a picture with him. We were there on a Sat night after the Tonys and there was only a small crowd, so I'd expect Monday to be quiet as well, but that's not a bad thing. No need to feel shy - he's lovely.
Just FYI he was slower than the rest to come out when we were there (I suspect he immediately stretches and/or ices bc of the injury) so as long as the barricades are still up, don't give up- he's probably still coming out.
Nycat63 said: "Kitsune said: "I'm going on Monday evening and was hoping to stage door.
A few questions - Where is the stage door for the August Wilson theater? About how long does it take for actors to come out?
It's been *years* since I've stage door-ed for a Broadway show - some of the last ones I did were Aida and Rent!. I'll admit I'm shy about it. On a Monday night am I likely to see other people at the stage door? It sounds like Andy does the stage door thing a lot - my impression is it's okay to ask for a signed playbill and/or getting a picture for him? (If he's in a rush, obviously that's cool too).
I got really into the OBC recording a few weeks ago. I live in California, but luckily I'm able to make a stop in New York on my way to visiting family in Western Massachusetts. This is likely the only opportunity I'll have to see the show, so I'm really crossing my fingers that Andy is on Monday night (but if it's Andrew Call, I'm open to seeing what is Phil is like as well)
"The stagedoor for GHD is an extremely pleasant experience. The cast is very friendly and Andy is very generous with his time. Perfectly ok to ask for both a signed playbill (he will just do it automatically) and a picture with him. We were there on a Sat night after the Tonys and there was only a small crowd, so I'd expect Monday to be quiet as well, but that's not a bad thing. No need to feel shy - he's lovely.
Just FYI he was slower than the rest to come out when we were there (I suspect he immediately stretches and/or ices bc of the injury) so as long as the barricades are still up, don't give up- he's probably still coming out.
"
Thank you, I really appreciate the response!
Out of curiosity, am I looking at potentially waiting a half an hour? An hour? (I'm sure it depends on whether the cast is getting notes, etc., but it would be helpful to have a range).
Kitsune said: "Nycat63 said: "Kitsune said: "I'm going on Monday evening and was hoping to stage door.
A few questions - Where is the stage door for the August Wilson theater? About how long does it take for actors to come out?
It's been *years* since I've stage door-ed for a Broadway show - some of the last ones I did were Aida and Rent!. I'll admit I'm shy about it. On a Monday night am I likely to see other people at the stage door? It sounds like Andy does the stage door thing a lot - my impression is it's okay to ask for a signed playbill and/or getting a picture for him? (If he's in a rush, obviously that's cool too).
I got really into the OBC recording a few weeks ago. I live in California, but luckily I'm able to make a stop in New York on my way to visiting family in Western Massachusetts. This is likely the only opportunity I'll have to see the show, so I'm really crossing my fingers that Andy is on Monday night (but if it's Andrew Call, I'm open to seeing what is Phil is like as well)
"The stagedoor for GHD is an extremely pleasant experience. The cast is very friendly and Andy is very generous with his time. Perfectly ok to ask for both a signed playbill (he will just do it automatically) and a picture with him. We were there on a Sat night after the Tonys and there was only a small crowd, so I'd expect Monday to be quiet as well, but that's not a bad thing. No need to feel shy - he's lovely.
Just FYI he was slower than the rest to come out when we were there (I suspect he immediately stretches and/or ices bc of the injury) so as long as the barricades are still up, don't give up- he's probably still coming out.
"
Thank you, I really appreciate the response!
Out of curiosity, am I looking at potentially waiting a half an hour? An hour? (I'm sure it depends on whether the cast is getting notes, etc., but it would be helpful to have a range).
"I think it may have been close to 40 minutes from curtain, but the time went by quickly with other people coming out, etc. With his continued recovery, maybe that's decreasing in time (I'm not saying this is typical, as I don't know). I just don't want you to assume he's not coming out if he takes longer than the rest. He mentioned he was slower to exit because he had to take care of his knee so I assumed he was stretching/icing there rather than waiting to get home.
By the way, stage door is right out in front of the theater as you exit - you can't miss it and you'll see barricades being set up. They use a fairly long barricade, which is why it doesn't feel so crowded or crazy.
Have a great time - it's a fun show and I hope he comes out because he's just so nice. I asked him how his knee was doing and said I don't know how you do it every night, you are a beast - he puffed out his chest right in front of us and roared "I'm a beast" giving my teenage daughter quite the thrill (ok, maybe it gave mom a bit of a thrill as well if I'm honest). She's still talking about that...
Callum - Glad to hear to enjoyed it for the most part. I was at the Sunday matinee myself. I'm sorry to hear the audience wasn't into when you were there, that can alter my experience with a show as well. In fact, I went back to GHD for a 2nd time because the 1st was ruined by bad audience members around me and it was during that 2nd viewing that the show really grabbed me. If you do decide to go again, and can afford it, I suggest TKTS. I got my Sunday ticket 30 minutes before curtain and it was 6th row center orchestra.
Kitsune - When you exit the theater turn right, towards 8th Ave, and you'll see the barricade for the stage door. As Nycat63 said it's a very nice, calm affair and all of the cast are lovely and will sign & take pictures. I will say that I've seen Andy come out within 15 minutes of the show ending, it just depends on what he needs to do, if he has guests, or if there's a cast event that night. I don't think it'd be more than 45 minutes, regardless.
If you do end up seeing Andrew Call, he's wonderful. Has a different interpretation of the role, but still very good. He also, by virtue of his look and personality gives off a different vibe than Andy.
10086Sundays said: "Callum - Glad to hear to enjoyed it for the most part. I was at the Sunday matinee myself. I'm sorry to hear the audience wasn't into when you were there, that can alter my experience with a show as well. In fact, I went back to GHD for a 2nd time because the 1st was ruined by bad audience members around me and it was during that 2nd viewing that the show really grabbed me. If you do decide to go again, and can afford it, I suggest TKTS. I got my Sunday ticket 30 minutes before curtain and it was 6th row center orchestra.
Kitsune - When you exit the theater turn right, towards 8th Ave, and you'll see the barricade for the stage door. As Nycat63 said it's a very nice, calm affair and all of the cast are lovely and will sign & take pictures. I will say that I've seen Andy come out within 15 minutes of the show ending, it just depends on what he needs to do, if he has guests, or if there's a cast event that night. I don't think it'd be more than 45 minutes, regardless.
If you do end up seeing Andrew Call, he's wonderful. Has a different interpretation of the role, but still very good. He also, by virtue of his look and personality gives off a different vibe than Andy.
"
Could you elaborate on how Andrew Call is different? I'm very interested in hearing about different takes on a role!
godlessondheimite said: "10086Sundays said: "If you do end up seeing Andrew Call, he's wonderful. Has a different interpretation of the role, but still very good. He also, by virtue of his look and personality gives off a different vibe than Andy."
Could you elaborate on how Andrew Call is different? I'm very interested in hearing about different takes on a role!"
Sure! Let me preface this by saying, that this isn’t a judgment on the quality of one performance versus the other, since I don’t think that’s fair. There is so much intricate blocking and so many dense lyrics, especially in the first act, that Andrew, and Sean, should he get to go on, will never have the comfort level with the role Andy does. And even Andy can still get tripped up by a rogue shirt, tie, or lyrical stumble. I know they’re all professionals, but that doesn’t make it easy. Either way, they both offer equally valid takes on the role.
Andrew’s Phil is immature, but there’s no malice to what he does. Andrew plays younger than Andy, so his jerkiness seems to come from a place of, one, never being called on his BS, and two, having a sheltered, spoiled childhood. As if he's just drifted through life doing as he wishes, kind of a lost soul in a way, who doesn't come across as deeply hurt as Andy's Phil.
Once the loop starts, he falls apart quicker and is more fearful of what’s happening. Then after “Nobody Cares,” he’s like a kid in a candy store, just having fun, but again, isn't out to hurt anyone. After "Hope" he isn't quite as low, but is as equally lost. In the end, Andrew’s Phil just needs to grow up and have his eyes opened to the world, the way many sheltered kids do. He has tunnel vision and only sees the world as it relates to him, he isn’t willfully ignoring people, he's just never found his place in the world or anything to give his life meaning.
As an aside: Andrew’s comedy, both with the physical aspects and his delivery, is superb.
Andy’s Phil is flat out mean and uncaring. Since he plays older, his jerkiness seems to come from a place of actually setting out to hurt people, not just having complete disdain for them. Once the loop starts, he fights against it harder and for longer. Then after “Nobody Cares,” he’s like a stereotypical frat boy times 100 with no morals or care for who he uses/hurts.
In the end, Andy’s Phil needs a more brutal wake-up call and his rock bottom after “Hope” is more jarring. He needs to learn to value life and the people around him because he’s never wanted to, or at least, because whatever happened to him as a kid that made him this way was bad enough to turn him into the guy we meet in act one, so it takes more to reverse that damage.
You're welcome. I hope you get to see him too! In case you, or anyone else is curious, Andrew does the original choreography for "Philanthropy," which includes an additional cross upstage running stage left to right carrying Mrs. Lancaster's coffee machine and the leapfrog leading into catching the woman falling off the ladder.
Andy was so lovely when I saw the show. He was the only one who came out to sign after a Wednesday matinee, He was outside within 15 minutes, took time for every single person that wanted to talk to him, pictures, autographs. He is so kind, sweet, wonderful and grateful. I wish him all the best and I would LOVE for him to be apart of a huge hit!
I wanted to pop in and say thank you to everyone for the guidance on doing the stage door.
The entire cast was very personable and friendly, but Andy in particular was incredibly, incredibly kind to his fans. (And yes, I was able to get my playbill signed and get a picture with him). He must've been exhausted after doing the show, but he signed every playbill and took pictures with everyone who asked. There was a decent (20-30ish people?) crowd, but he still stopped to hear what everyone had to say and just had a really grateful, down to earth energy about him.
I wish the show was doing better financially. A few weeks ago I started listening to the cast recording and got so into it I made a detour on my way to family vacation so I could see GHD (I live in California). There are places where the jokes didn't quite land and scenes that could be tightened, but it has a *lot* of heart and the cast is all around phenomenal. I went with a friend (who liked the movie but didn't know anything about the show) and she also had a great time.
One thing did stand out - on the cast recording, "If I Had My Time Again" is my absolute favorite song, but it lost some of its power in the theater. I had seen the "making of" video for the cast recording, so I was familiar with the staging. I couldn't tell if it was a sound issue - I did feel like I was having trouble hearing Barrett and Andy over the orchestra.
Okay, second thing - in the interviews I watched, the creative team made a big deal about how they didn't want to reference the movie too much. I rewatched the movie a few weeks ago, as it's one of my favorites. Andy Karl succeeds in really having his own take on Phil, but there were a few places where dialogue was pulled almost verbatim from the movie - I found it distracting because it kept pulling me back to the Bill Murray version.
Griping aside, Andy and the rest of the cast are incredible, and I'm really glad I was able to see the show. As a Californian who maybe comes to New York once a year, it's not often I get to see an OBC!
Hey all. Finally getting tickets to this before its too late. Does anyone know if Andy Karl does the Saturday and/or Sunday matinee performances reguarly?
And for anyone curious, Andy is no longer wearing a brace of any kind during the show. I'm happy for him that his rehab is going so well.
I wish the show were doing better. He's such a nice, talented, and dedicated guy, as is everyone at GHD. Makes me sad to think it'll be gone soon. Obviously, I love the show and think it's incredible and deserving of being a hit.
(Which is not to say that other struggling shows or their casts are not equally deserving of their show succeeding.)