Anyone know if Michael Ball is back yet?

As of Friday at 2pm, no

Saw this thread and thought it was best not to start a new one. Was curious as to how Michael Ball was doing. Another message board on a different site gave me the impression that he has been out for some time and does not appear to be coming back any time soon. Cannot verify it anywhere, though, to be honest I haven't checked out his web site yet - that's my next stop. Any word? Hate to hear that the "fat" suit perhaps has struck again, but this is is very much like what happened last year at the same time of the year with Michael Crawford who got quite ill, most likely in part due to the fat suit. Anyway, would love to hear any word on Mr. Ball and whether he's returned to the show.

Was out today Matinee too. Friedman was in (2 shows a day again... YOU GO GIRL!)

What's the issue with the fat suit?

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Apparently because of the fat suit the performer looses an immense amount of water and it gets to the point where their immune system is shot, so they can catch anything that is in the theatre. Not fun in my opinon.

Okay, kind of curious dirtyrottengirl why I made you laugh. I had heard MB was ill, but was unaware he had been out for a while. Was just looking for some verification on what I had heard. I'm not in the NY area, so boards and sites like this are how I keep up with some of the shows. Anyway, just curious.

he was out today too

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It does sound like the fat suit has struck again... Unfortunate since I was under the impression they had made some alterations to the design after what Michael Crawford went through. Guess it's back to the drawing board...

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You know TobyRagg, I wondered the same thing. However, I really loved Michael Crawford in the role and am glad I saw him in London. Haven't got to see Michael Ball in the role yet, either in London or NY, but did get to see a couple of the other actors potraying it in London. I don't think any of them could "fill" the role naturally, if you know what I mean. LOL. But, if they really want that look, it might be safer to get someone who is more built for it or could pull it off without the suit. Definitely, some of the antics Michael Crawford did during the "You can get away with anything" number would not have come across as funny without him wearing that fat suit. But he paid a price for it last year, and it looks like Michael Ball may be paying a similar price.

Michael left for England, He is ill with this flu I believe.

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He was out Saturday night, the 6th, but his understudy was very enjoyable!

Yes amcchemist, Someone of good repute noted he went back to the U.K., Most likely will feel better healing at home than in a hotel suite here. I have this flu right now, It is gripping and awful. No way you could sing nor act through this, it's enough just to breathe let alone wear the fat suit with the mice taking a wee on you AND having to try to breathe. I REALLY feel for him and, He is such a trooper, he will be back asap I'm sure, at times like this, there is no place like Home to Heal, and Rest is Mandatory. Hope this helped.

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