Does the box office know about understudy appearances
Does the box office know about understudy appearances
openstage2
Understudy Joined: 1/16/17
#1Does the box office know about understudy appearances
Posted: 6/24/19 at 7:42am
If you ask at the box office, in the morning, will fhey tell you if an understudy is appearing that evening? Are there days of the week that are more likely to feature understudy performances? Less likely days?
sethepstein12
Understudy Joined: 1/18/16
#2Does the box office know about understudy appearances
Posted: 6/24/19 at 8:02am
If the actor/actress is on vacation or it's a planned absence, then they would probably know and would likely tell you, but there's always the chance that they don't know/the producer doesn't want the box office divulging that information.
Many times that an understudy goes on, the understudies themselves don't even know until right near show time. Josh Lamon is the Barry u/s in the Prom, and he always posts on Instagram when he's going to be on. He posted just a few hours before the show on Friday and said that he was going on.
At this point in the year, many people are taking week-long vacations, and most of the other times are last minute call outs.
tl;dr There is no day that is more/less likely and the box office may or may not know.
dramamama611
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/4/07
#3Does the box office know about understudy appearances
Posted: 6/24/19 at 8:09am
Remember, an actor is only typically required to call out 30 minutes before the show.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
Updated On: 6/24/19 at 08:09 AM
magictodo123
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/18/19
#4Does the box office know about understudy appearances
Posted: 6/24/19 at 8:30am
I don't think the box office is linked with the part of production that knows when understudies are scheduled/when an understudy will appear. As previous posters have said, they would know about planned absences, but relying on them to find out when leads are out is not something that should become a common practice. This is more company management/stage management related. I remember when I went to see Shuffle Along, they asked me if I knew Audra was out, and I said yes. So they definitely know the planned absences, but even if they DID know,I don't think they could tell you.
Quick Q: Why do people feel the need to know about an understudy beforehand? We as ticket buyers are not entitled to that, unless an announcement is made before, along the lines of My Fair Lady, that a performer will be out on certain days because it was already decided when they took on the role. You're entitled to a performance, not knowing every single detail of a shows inner workings. Enjoy the privilege of seeing a show! :)
#5Does the box office know about understudy appearances
Posted: 6/24/19 at 8:44am
magictodo123 said: "I don't think the box office is linked with the part of production that knows when understudies are scheduled/when an understudy will appear. As previous posters have said, they would know about planned absences, but relying on them to find out when leads are out is not something that should become a common practice. This is more company management/stage management related. I remember when I went to see Shuffle Along, they asked me if I knew Audra was out, and I said yes. So they definitely know the planned absences, but even if they DID know,I don't think they could tell you.
Quick Q: Why do people feel the need to know about an understudy beforehand? We as ticket buyers are not entitled to that, unless an announcement is made before, along the lines of My Fair Lady, that a performer will be out on certain days because it was already decided when they took on the role. You're entitled to a performance, not knowing every single detail of a shows inner workings. Enjoy the privilege of seeing a show! :)"
Simple. I don't think it's hard to understand that someone will want to see the lead actor in the part instead of an understudy. Especially a performance that's getting a lot of rave reviews and or is award winning. People want to see what the fuss is about. When Glenn Close was in sunset boulevard, I went to see her. If I am seeing hello Dolly with Bette midler, I want to see Bette Midler. If you're a fan of a certain actors work, I think it's totally understandable that you would want to know if they're performing or not
Darreyl with an L!
Updated On: 6/24/19 at 08:44 AM
#6Does the box office know about understudy appearances
Posted: 6/24/19 at 8:44am
At a lot of theaters there is a Cast/At this performance board in the box office lobby letting patrons know if there are any understudies on. However, that board usually isn't updated until a short while before the performance.
Just give the world Love.
#7Does the box office know about understudy appearances
Posted: 6/24/19 at 8:58am
I think they're really only informed if the show has star billing. For example, if Bette Midler was out in Hello Dolly that night there would of course be signs and a paper warning you, but I can't imagine they wouldn't inform the box office of that. She was a main reason many people went to that show but I think its only in those cases that they're really informed about it. They likely only know because they see the call board.
dramamama611
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/4/07
#8Does the box office know about understudy appearances
Posted: 6/24/19 at 8:58am
If a patron wants to see a particular performer, there is nothing wrong with them wanting to know ahead of time. On Bway, they are required to tell you in at least 2 ways (an announcement, an understudy slip and/or the notice board in the lobby.) If they KNOW, the box office is happy to tell you in advance, but they are not obligated to do so.
Of course, the only time one is entitled to a refund/exchange is if the actor is above the title, but some productions will allow it for other reasons.
And....it's a PRIVILEGE? I don't think paying 150 bucks or more is a PRIVILEGE. I wasn't given an honor or win a prize -- I'm PAYING for the right to sit in the seat.
Personally, while I'm sure there's been times I've been disappointed to miss a specific performance, I don't really care, and have never even contemplated looking for an exchange/refund.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
CT2NYC
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/7/17
#9Does the box office know about understudy appearances
Posted: 6/24/19 at 9:08am
magictodo123 said: "Quick Q: Why do people feel the need to know about an understudy beforehand? We as ticket buyers are not entitled to that, unless an announcement is made before, along the lines of My Fair Lady, that a performer will be out on certain days because it was already decided when they took on the role. You're entitled to a performance, not knowing every single detail of a shows inner workings. Enjoy the privilege of seeing a show! :)"
I'm not sure what's so difficult to understand about this. Considering that the box office is obligated to offer refunds if an above-the-title star is out, it's clearly an issue that all Broadway productions acknowledge. It's completely unreasonable to shame those who want to see the principal performers. Just because you don't care, it doesn't mean that everyone shouldn't.
#10Does the box office know about understudy appearances
Posted: 6/24/19 at 9:12am
Being able to afford the ticket is a privilege, I'd like to know who I'm seeing before I use that privilege.
Back to the topic - I have actually had TKTS employees tell me when a performer is out. These were both unscheduled outages - Megan Hilty in Noises Off*, and Jane Krakowski in She Loves Me.
* this was rather funny.
Me - "Do you have tickets for Noises off?"
TKTS booth operator - "Yes, but just so you know, the star is out from the matinee"
Me - "Andrea Martin? Oh no!"
TKTS booth op - "Oh I meant Megan Hilty, but yes - Martin's out too!"
Caption: Every so often there was a rare moment of perfect balance when I soared above him.
#11Does the box office know about understudy appearances
Posted: 6/24/19 at 10:15am
magictodo123 said: "... Why do people feel the need to know about an understudy beforehand? ... Enjoy the privilege of seeing a show! :)"
I am currently planning an October trip to attend several plays. Admittedly, part of the decision process in what to buy is WHO has been named to the cast."
Pose2
Broadway Star Joined: 4/24/19
#12Does the box office know about understudy appearances
Posted: 6/24/19 at 12:05pm
You're entitled to a performance, not knowing every single detail of a shows inner workings. Enjoy the privilege of seeing a show! :)
Are you still trying to tell people how to feel or what to do around here? Aw. The reason I see shows 90% of the time are FOR the specific actors. Do you think I wanted to see Patina Miller's understudy in Pippin? Nope. Ben Platt's? Nah. Cynthia Erivo's? Laura Benanti's? Kelli O'Hara's? Steven Pasquale's? Joshua Henry's? No, no, no, no and.......................no. Think whatever but stop telling people what they think they are entitled to know. Thanks!
#13Does the box office know about understudy appearances
Posted: 6/24/19 at 12:36pmPlease tell everyone what show you're going to see next and where your seat is, so I can avoid you.
"This thread reads like a series of White House memos." — Mister Matt
#14Does the box office know about understudy appearances
Posted: 6/24/19 at 12:45pm
Pose2 said: "You're entitled to a performance, not knowing every single detail of a shows inner workings. Enjoy the privilege of seeing a show! :)
Are you still trying to tell people how to feel or what to do around here? Aw. The reason I see shows 90% of the time are FOR the specific actors. Do you think I wanted to see Patina Miller's understudy in Pippin? Nope. Ben Platt's? Nah. Cynthia Erivo's? Laura Benanti's? Kelli O'Hara's? Steven Pasquale's? Joshua Henry's? No, no, no, no and.......................no. Think whatever but stop telling people what they think they are entitled to know. Thanks!"
If someone is going to see a show specifically for a performer, its smart to take into account that their human and could possibly miss that performance. Its just my rule of thumb and not yours nor am I telling you how to live your life. However, these people are human beings, they get sick. They had emergencies, they have illnesses, they have a million reasons why they need to miss work like the rest of us. I suggest just not seeing a show for 1 person specifically since they can very well be absent that performance for whatever reason. Also, have a little respect for understudies. Feel free to be disappointed to not see the person you want but you easily write them off as if they're nothing.
#15Does the box office know about understudy appearances
Posted: 6/24/19 at 1:21pm
LizzieCurry said: "Please tell everyone what show you're going to see next and where your seat is, so I can avoid you."
You don't want the privilege to sit next to them?
Caption: Every so often there was a rare moment of perfect balance when I soared above him.
#16Does the box office know about understudy appearances
Posted: 6/24/19 at 2:20pm
I'm sure I'm not the only one who, every so often, actively tries to see a particular understudy or standby. This was the case for me with American Idiot, where I succeeded in seeing Van Hughes play each of the three guys. Currently, I'd love to see what Timothy Hughes does with the part of Hades.
#17Does the box office know about understudy appearances
Posted: 6/24/19 at 2:39pmAnyone who's read this board for more than a week knows a significant amount of regular theatregoers do this.
"This thread reads like a series of White House memos." — Mister Matt
#18Does the box office know about understudy appearances
Posted: 6/24/19 at 2:42pm
Pose2 said: "The reason I see shows 90% of the time are FOR the specific actors. Do you think I wanted to see Patina Miller's understudy in Pippin? Nope. Ben Platt's? Nah. Cynthia Erivo's? Laura Benanti's? Kelli O'Hara's? Steven Pasquale's? Joshua Henry's? No, no, no, no and.......................no. Think whatever but stop telling people what they think they are entitled to know. Thanks!"
This. I've been extremely lucky, in that there's been maybe three times in my life when a principal actor has called out*. And don't get me wrong, the understudies were all great and super talented. But I go to a show to see the actors that worked in the rehearsal studio, for weeks, with the director and the creatives, to develop that particular performance.
*and because I've said this, SJB will surely be out next Saturday night
#19Does the box office know about understudy appearances
Posted: 6/24/19 at 2:42pm
kdogg36 said: "I'd love to see what Timothy Hughes does with the part of Hades."
ME TOO!
I've been known to book a last-minute trip to NY for the sole reason of seeing a specific understudy perform.
"Michael Riedel...The Perez Hilton of the New York Theatre scene"
- Craig Hepworth, What's On Stage
#20Does the box office know about understudy appearances
Posted: 6/24/19 at 2:57pm
magictodo123 said: "I don't think the box office is linked with the part of production that knows when understudies are scheduled/when an understudy will appear. As previous posters have said, they would know about planned absences, but relying on them to find out when leads are out is not something that should become a common practice. This is more company management/stage management related. I remember when I went to see Shuffle Along, they asked me if I knew Audra was out, and I said yes. So they definitely know the planned absences, but even if they DID know,I don't think they could tell you.
Quick Q: Why do people feel the need to know about an understudy beforehand? We as ticket buyers are not entitled to that, unless an announcement is made before, along the lines of My Fair Lady, that a performer will be out on certain days because it was already decided when they took on the role. You're entitled to a performance, not knowing every single detail of a shows inner workings. Enjoy the privilege of seeing a show! :)"
Then these shows should not advertise who is actually in them. You can't have your cake and eat it too. You are exactly the kind of audience members producers in the scam theatre capital of the world aka the West End would love to have. Go and pay hundreds of dollars to see Glenn Close in SUNSET BOULEVARD and not blink and eyelid when her understudy is on hehe.
"You can't overrate Bernadette Peters. She is such a genius. There's a moment in "Too Many Mornings" and Bernadette doing 'I wore green the last time' - It's a voice that is just already given up - it is so sorrowful. Tragic. You can see from that moment the show is going to be headed into such dark territory and it hinges on this tiny throwaway moment of the voice." - Ben Brantley (2022)
"Bernadette's whole, stunning performance [as Rose in Gypsy] galvanized the actors capable of letting loose with her. Bernadette's Rose did take its rightful place, but too late, and unseen by too many who should have seen it" Arthur Laurents (2009)
"Sondheim's own favorite star performances? [Bernadette] Peters in ''Sunday in the Park,'' Lansbury in ''Sweeney Todd'' and ''obviously, Ethel was thrilling in 'Gypsy.'' Nytimes, 2000
magictodo123
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/18/19
#21Does the box office know about understudy appearances
Posted: 6/24/19 at 3:23pm
kdogg36 said: "I'm sure I'm not the only one who, every so often,actively tries to see a particular understudy or standby. This was the case for mewithAmerican Idiot, where I succeeded in seeing Van Hughes play each of the three guys. Currently, I'd love to see what Timothy Hughes does with the part of Hades."
I specifically bought a ticket to
Waitress
shuffle slong
mu Fair lady
knowing I would see the understudies for the leafs. I was absolutely blown away by Stephanie Torns and Kerstin Anderson in Waitress and My Fair Lady, respectively.
But yeah generally I think the box office only knows general absences. I’m really surprised the people at TKTS knew!
IHeartNY2
Stand-by Joined: 4/14/17
#22Does the box office know about understudy appearances
Posted: 6/24/19 at 3:36pm
magictodo123 said: "Quick Q: Why do people feel the need to know about an understudy beforehand? We as ticket buyers are not entitled to that, unless an announcement is made before, along the lines of My Fair Lady, that a performer will be out on certain days because it was already decided when they took on the role. You're entitled to a performance, not knowing every single detail of a shows inner workings. Enjoy the privilege of seeing a show! :)"
Some of us would like to go back to see a show a 3rd or 4th time, but only when a specific actor is on because seeing their understudy changed the whole dynamic. (Ex: On a show that need not be named, I saw the understudy on my 3rd visit and the jokes just didn't land the same way). So, yeah, in an "ideal" world, before I spend $150 on a ticket, it would be great to know if someone planned to be out that day/week. TKTS tix is another story...
#23Does the box office know about understudy appearances
Posted: 6/24/19 at 3:39pm
magictodo123 said, “I specifically bought a ticket to Waitress, shuffle slong, mu Fair lady knowing I would see the understudies for the leafs.”
So aren’t you doing the exact same thing as those going to see shows based on who typically plays the role? In both cases, the reason you’re attending the show is to see a particular performer in the role. So, in fact, you did care about (at least some of) the “details of a show’s inner workings.”
That is to say, people go to see shows for a myriad of reasons and they are all legitimate and it’s okay not to adopt a “you get what you get!” attitude about it.
Pose2
Broadway Star Joined: 4/24/19
#24Does the box office know about understudy appearances
Posted: 6/24/19 at 3:54pm
"This. I've been extremely lucky, in that there's been maybe three times in my life when a principal actor has called out*. And don't get me wrong, the understudies were all great and super talented. But I go to a show to see the actors that worked in the rehearsal studio, for weeks, with the director and the creatives, to develop that particular performance."
Me too! I pay to see the person I want to see, so one time an actress was out on a Thursday evening, and I just asked for a ticket for the following day. Other than that, I have seen everyone I wanted to see, it's such a genuine thrill to share the same space with such genius.
So aren’t you doing the exact same thing as those going to see shows based on who typically plays the role? In both cases, the reason you’re attending the show is to see a particular performer in the role. So, in fact, you did care about (at least some of) the “details of a show’s inner workings.”
That is to say, people go to see shows for a myriad of reasons and they are all legitimate and it’s okay not to adopt a “you get what you get!” attitude about it.
LOVE THIS! And yes, they are doing the exact same thing!
VintageSnarker
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/30/15
#25Does the box office know about understudy appearances
Posted: 6/24/19 at 5:46pm
I can't recall ever asking a box office attendant if a performer would be in a show that night.
I know it's always a gamble. Some gambles are worth it. Some are not. Lottery ticket to Aladdin? I got lucky that no one was out but I would have been happy just to see the show. The night I paid for a full price ticket and made it through a downpour to Waitress only to sprain my ankle? Yeah, I would have been heartbroken if Jeremy and Shoshana had been out.
I do think that if producers want to keep raising ticket prices and creating buzz around casting then at the very least people should be allowed to be upset about not seeing the performers they expected to see.
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