Does anyone know about contract extensions?

I am new to this website and have a question about if performers often receive contract extension...I will be traveling to NYC in October and have tickets for Jersey Boys. I see that John Lloyd Young's contract ends on Oct. 6. Are the actors traditionally offered extensions?

Thanks...I hope I will be able to see the original group! I have never had an opportunity to see an original cast - on Broadway! I do get to the theater here in Tampa to see many of the national tours.

Do their understudies usually get the roles?

They are offered extensions usually 1-3 months in advance. Understudies or Standby's may get their roles or they might bring in diferent people to do the role.

I don't know JLY, but I would guess that he has a Tony bump in his contract (which means he got a raise in pay for winning the Tony...it's pretty standard). So the incentive to stay is significant.

With or without a bump, though, a Tony-winning star can often negotiate a much higher salary once their first contract is up. So the chances of seeing him are good. And if his contract is up in October, I'd bet a hundred dollars they've already started renegotiating.

If someone sees the show, just ask him at the stage door...he probably has an idea of whether he'll be in the show past October.

Updated On: 7/22/06 at 07:57 PM

Yes, I read about Tituss Burgess leaving the show.

I guess I'll just keep checking back to see if there is any news about the cast...wish I had made better plans, but my husband wanted to see the fall foliage, so we figured the end of Oct. would be better for that. We don't have a fall season here, so that's what drove our trip...he's never been to NYC.

I'll probably catch the tour if it comes through Tampa as well.

You have all been so helpful...thanks!