Does Hugh Panaro have a understudy? — Page 2

Madame X, forgive my ignornace, but what show are you talking about that was cancelled because of one actor's abscence? I'm not clear on that. Thanks.

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Huh? What? When? Where? Did someone call my name? LOL! :)

Yes. Hugh does have understudies. From my experience, I think that James Romick covers the Phantoms the most with David Gaschen running a close second. Jeff Keller rarely (if never) plays the Phantom anymore due to "theatre politics" as he said to me once. Hmmm... But now with Timothy Martin Gleason as the new Raoul, he may be understudying the Phantom as well, since he's covered that part on the US Tour. Probably not too often though, since he's required to perform as the principle Raoul. Not to mention new POTO swing, Stephen Buntrock, a good friend of Hugh's, is now in the cast and his more than capable to playing the Phantom as well.

As far as I know, Hugh's current contract ends sometime in July. I haven't heard of any new news since. But maybe no news is good news. We shall see. :)

~Rosalynn

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Updated On: 6/13/05 at 11:30 PM

I asked Hugh last night about his contract and he said "It's being negotiated...you know how producers are. Knock on wood I'll still be doing this!" He also mentioned something about auditioning for "The Woman In White" this week. He said he hopes the show makes it long enough here so he can see if he can get a part, but he doesn't want to give up his current work if "Woman" doesn't work out.

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I know Hugh! He sang to me privately. He sang "The Music of the Night"

We're really good friends... Though he is a little strange. I don't exactly know how he is odd but there is just this thing about him that's a little creepy. For example, he talks sort of mysteriously...

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