Crawford leaving woman in White for good.. Michael Ball replaces him......

[leeinlondon]

Posted: 1/28/05 at 10:11am

Michael Crawford has not performed for 2 1/2 weeks and then only briefly for a couple of performances after another break from the show due to illness...

Michael Ball is taking over permanently from the 22 February which means that Crawford has chopped off 3 months from his already short contract. This is not a short break due to illness as reported but Crawford is leaving the show as confirmed here:

http://www.whatsonstage.com/dl/page.php?page=greenroom&story=E8821106909820
WOS Story - Crawford leaving Updated On: 1/28/05 at 10:11 AM

[Craig]

Posted: 1/28/05 at 10:20am

Lee. With all due respect, this article doesn't confirm anything other than what has already been reported. Where is the confirmation part that says he is permanently leaving the show?

[leeinlondon]

Posted: 1/28/05 at 10:21am

"Although Crawford is scheduled to play the fulsome Count until the 28 May 2005, according to the Express, he will cut his contract short by three months to make way for West End favourite Michael Ball (pictured), who is currently in rehearsals for the role."

I agree it is contradictory in the next sentence where it mentions some speculation about crawford coming back but he has not appeared regularly in the show since late December. Updated On: 1/28/05 at 10:21 AM

[LittleAngelMaker]

Posted: 1/28/05 at 10:28am

The same article on WOS continues:

"There's no official word yet as to if or how long Ball will appear, though it's speculated that it may only be a limited run while Crawford recovers fully from his illness."

At this point, anything said is just speculation.

Corey

[Craig]

Posted: 1/28/05 at 10:28am

fair enough. I just don't read that as a confirmation as definitely completely leaving. Time will tell...

[Sant]

Posted: 1/28/05 at 12:51pm

I just hope they won't turn this Count Fosco role into same kind of casting hell as Norma Desmond role was! I mean if they only want big names to play the part, then there'll be trouble. But, it's only the first time someone is taking over the role so it doesn't mean anything yet.

[CarolynW]

Posted: 1/28/05 at 1:46pm

Press release came out and Michael says he hopes to be back in April. This is posted on ATC and is from the production company.

Yours,

Carolyn

[kec]

Posted: 1/28/05 at 1:52pm

Michael B.'s fan club also has the information that he will probably be in the role until April.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 1/28/05 at 1:55pm

"Press release came out and Michael says he hopes to be back in April."

Some flu!

[JP]

Posted: 1/28/05 at 3:12pm

Best of luck to Michael Ball and hopes for a speedy recovery for Michael Crawford. Interesting casting or is this re-casting? Whichever . . .it sure sounds like it's going to be a blast!

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 1/28/05 at 3:14pm

I guess this means Michael Ball will be bringing the show to Broadway.

Saw Crawford in November; he was fabulous. Too bad.

[Scarywarhol]

Posted: 1/28/05 at 3:21pm

NNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 1/28/05 at 3:27pm

Scary, I guess you're not a big Michael Ball fan.

[Scarywarhol]

Posted: 1/28/05 at 3:29pm

I can't jusge because Ive never seen him, but I'd rather see Michael Crawford.

[BoxFive]

Posted: 1/28/05 at 3:30pm

lot's of rumors here, not much consdieration of fact, Mr. Crawford is NOT leaving the show.

[sharon1]

Posted: 1/28/05 at 5:52pm

Looks like Michael Ball is in for about 6 weeks while Michael Crawford is on the mend. I hope all goes well for both gentlemen

[jo]

Posted: 1/28/05 at 10:23pm

This is the official announcement from the website of THE REALLY USEFUL GROUP --

http://www.reallyuseful.com/shows/wiw/news/michael_ball.htm

I have already booked tickets for two dates to see Michael Ball in the show. According to the ticket agent, they have been told that Michael Crawford will be back in the role on April 4.

[kangaroo]

Posted: 1/28/05 at 10:25pm

I wish I could go see Michael Ball in Woman in White. I don't really know what the show is about, but I would pay to see him on stage. I would love to live in London, not only for the Broadways.

[jo]

Posted: 1/28/05 at 11:45pm

Kangaroo,

Michael has also announced a concert tour for the month of June in the UK.

Jo