Anyone know if Michael Ball is back yet?

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 1/1/06 at 8:08pm

Was thinking about getting a TDF ticket. Anyone know?

[Doogie]

Posted: 1/1/06 at 10:13pm

As of Friday at 2pm, no

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 1/1/06 at 10:16pm

Seeing it 1/15 - Who will be out definitely & who may be out ?

[amcchemist]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 1:30am

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.

[TheEnchantedHunter]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 1:43am

He was out on Thursday and his understudy was perfectly acceptable. But, frankly, it wouldn't matter WHO was in this show. The show is just a piece of unnecessary, synthetic treacle.



Natasha Rostova
Moscow, Russia

[Doogie]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 1:47am

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

[DirtyRottenGirl]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 2:43am

amcchemist, you comment made me laugh. He has been out for about two weeks now thats crazy. When I went I saw the understudy and it was obvious through his singing he was stuffed up and must have had a cold. I personally thought he was crap.

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 10:25am

What's the issue with the fat suit?

[sharon1]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 10:31am

In answer to the fat suit question please read Michael Crawford's interview. Michael C and Michael B have played the count the most and as the interview states it is apparently a nightmare along with the makeup.

[AnotherDay46]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 11:31am

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.

[adamgreer]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 11:32am

According to Michael C, when you wear that fat suit, you sweat a LOT. That makes you lose a lot of electrolytes, and dehydrates you.

[amcchemist]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 11:05pm

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.

[Stater2002]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 11:14pm

I saw the evening performance on December 28th, and MB had been out since the previous day...almost two weeks at this point.

[YayJudyYayJudy]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 11:19pm

he was out today too

[TobyRagg]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 11:22pm

random perhaps stupid question...why must they have an average actor wear a fat suit to play the count? why cant they just cast an obese actor? note: I have not seen the show if that makes a difference.

[DreamFlyer22]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 11:23pm

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...

[DirtyRottenGirl]

Posted: 1/9/06 at 12:31am

I just thought it was funny how you said the fat suit struck again. Im sorry im dumb

[amcchemist]

Posted: 1/9/06 at 12:33am

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.

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 1/10/06 at 10:13pm

I'm guessing he's not back?

Sad!

[jimmirae]

Posted: 1/10/06 at 10:18pm

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

[amcchemist]

Posted: 1/10/06 at 10:42pm

Nah, dirtyrottengirl, you're not dumb! I was just afraid I'd said something wrong and wasn't seeing it! LOL! Actually, my fingers have not functioned well the last few days. So no need to apologize. I just wanted to make sure I hadn't said anything dumb - I'm notorious for it.

[Kevo711]

Posted: 1/10/06 at 10:44pm

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

[amcchemist]

Posted: 1/10/06 at 10:46pm

Jimmirae, you heard MB left for England? That can't be good. He must really be ill. Hopefully he'll be back and not out of the show like MC was last year in London.

[jimmirae]

Posted: 1/10/06 at 10:53pm

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.

[morosco]

Posted: 1/10/06 at 11:23pm

Hope he gets back in the show soon.

My cousin (a person of size) found the found suit offensive.

All I could do was roll my eyes.