Does Hugh Panaro have a understudy?

Christine plays 6 shows/week
Christine alternate plays 2 shows/week
Christine understudy plays her own track (mirror bride/harlequin tutu in masquerade & others) unless the other two can't cover Christine.

I was told by one of the Phantom actors that actual on-stage time is, believe it or not, only about 20 minutes. Yep, I didn't believe it either.

As far as the star of the show trivia: ALW wrote it as a vehicle for SB, and when they realized it became all about the Phantom, "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again" was added to the show to give Christine a star moment.

By EQUITY contracts, ALL actors must have understudies. That applies to Off-Bwy as well as On.

I was supposed to see Miss Julie last Thurs but when I got to the theatre, I was informed that one of the actors had lost their voice so the performance was being cancelled. I assumed it was b/c there were no u/s for the actors, but maybe not? Under what situation would they cancel a performance then?

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WOW! You can tell it's June...and it's hot in hells kitchen. Lots of crazy things on this thread.

Calling Rosalyn!!! aka bb81 (hughpanero.com)

As was mentioned, POTO and all of the Equity shows have undestudies/standbys/swings for their casts. Hard to believe a show would cancel due to one vocal problem.

Not sure who covers most for Hugh, but it hasn't been Jeff Keller for quite a few years. Jeff is one of if not the only remaining original cast members since the show opened on Bd'w. AND he was a fabulous Phantom! Being in his upper 50's and having worn the mask as well as played both managers, his contract still graces him as earning the Phantom understudy credit. Personally, I'd love to see him do it again.

"Far too many notes for my taste" is hardly a line Jeff uses. Especially since those $notes$ have been coming in steady for 7 years (?).

As I was told, ALW insisted on Christine sharing the role shortly after Sarah Brightman started. It's been contracted that way ever since.

Phantom is only onstage about 25 mins. and while it's a grueling part emotionally and can be for some vocally, Christine's part is more demanding vocally and she interacts, dances, falls in love, gets kidnapped (twice) etc. etc.

Once Hugh's contract is up (Rosalyn, where are you?) I'm not sure who will take over. But Ted Keegan would be a good start.

Folks, school's out and a lot of young fresh blood will be here. Why not try being polite...for a while?

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