Broadway Performers & Vocal Rest

I've heard several musical actors saying that they save their voices all day for the show @ night. Is this something that's new? And if so, is it because musicals today demand more vocally than say, West Side Story or Oklahoma or other older musicals?
Cause I think today, shows like RENT, and others take a toll on performers. Was POTO one of the first shows to have an alternate performer (Christine) who played certain performances? Cause now you have RENT with the Roger/Mimi's opting out for matinees and such. Was there an alternate for Ethel Merman?

I just find it interesting I haven't heard much about vocal care in early Broadway shows or of any shows demanding an alternate before POTO. Am I wrong? I'd love to hear what anyone thinks about this.

Interesting! Fella & I Do I Do - I didn't know that.

And you make a good point about the lack of mic's - I forgot about that. However, wouldnt most theatres have been designed to naturally amplify? Like a Greek Collisium?

I tend to think that the more rock and roll shows of today do take a rather large toll on a performers voice more so than Show Boat did or Carousel. But I could be wrong. Maybe someone who has done both types of shows on a professional level can shed some light.

I think performers see their voices the way athletes see their bodies to some extent. You must take care of it if you want it to last. Rock singing is, for me, anyway, a lot different from singing something more traditional. (I'm not a professional singer, but I've had some training.) Also, I think people are more aware of preventive measures than they used to be.

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I know that in POTO the role of Christine is somewhat Operatic and in the Opera world a performer would perform one day and have two days rest then perform again. hope that helps.

John3