Anyone know why Phillip Boykin has missed so many shows during this OOTI run?

It started previews less than 3 months ago, and he’s been missing shows left and right.

I know he currently has the flu as of a day or two ago, but he’s had so many missed performances before this too.

Updated On: 2/3/18 at 11:09 PM

I've seen the show twice, and he was out both times. I don't know why he was out, however as much as I would like to see him in the role at some point his understudy, T. Oliver Reid, is excellent.

Updated On: 2/4/18 at 02:44 AM

I've seen the show 4 times (mostly in Nov/Dec and once in January) and Phillip was out in the January performance. His understudy T Oliver Reid is great but nothing matches Phillip's voice, especially when he and Kenita Miller sing "Ti Moune".

I hope he's ok.

I also did the lottery for it in December, and Boykin was out that night too.

Flu season seems to be pretty savage this year, so I would sooner bet that performers in general are not only out sick, but taking those extra days to restore themselves to full power. Performing at a certain level when you aren't 100% could be detrimental to the actor, especially considering Boykin has a powerful voice.

There seem to be a lot of absences for this show. And it's still early in the run so there probably aren't that many scheduled vacations yet.

I'm pretty sure Boykin was out when I saw the show too. I think I posted this before but - does anyone think this schedule of show is particularly difficult? Friday, 4 shows on the weekend, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday - break Wednesday night and Thursday then back at it again. I realise this is not particularly uncommon. It just seems like it would be hard to have this schedule and not be burnt out or have a life! They pretty much don't have a weekend. At least Sunday night/Monday off lets you socialise (Sunday) and then recharge (Monday). With this schedule, it must be a little difficult to maintain friendships and relationships.

Same. I want to go back to see them but it's not a huge priority at the moment. Tangential but any idea of the best place to check for scheduled absences or unscheduled ones? Their understudies were very good but I'm just curious about their performances and also, of course I want to see Lea in everything.

How did you see Norm Lewis???

I worry about the show.

It’s half price most nights on TKTS.

I hope it lasts through the Tony nominations.

Updated On: 2/4/18 at 10:45 PM

Sorry about the triple post. Not sure how that happened.

Anyway, I've been out of the loop. I wasn't aware that Quentin left the show. He was a fantastic Agwe. I usually overlook that character but his vocals were terrific.

I'm just here waiting for the Donna Murphy comparisons

I saw it the evening of 2/3 and Boykin and Norm were both out. But I overheard the mom/handler of one of the young girls talkiing to the woman who runs the lottery that Norm had a concert that night. Both of their understudies were superb! Reid and Kenita made me tear up hard during their song before Ti Moune leaves to go find Daniel.