FYI: Cynthia Erivo not appearing 9/8 & 9/9

[MyFavoriteBrunette]

Posted: 9/8/16 at 1:59pm

In case you want to share the information with friends and loved ones attending the show tonight, like I am.

Updated On: 9/9/16 at 01:59 PM

[slumdogdelaware]

Posted: 9/8/16 at 2:32pm

Also here is a full list of her upcoming absences for anyone interested:

*Cynthia Erivo will not perform on Thursday - September 8, Friday - September 9, Sunday - September 11, Thursday - September 29, Saturday matinee and evening - October 1, Sunday - November 6, and all performances November 15 - November 22.

[MyFavoriteBrunette]

Posted: 9/8/16 at 2:47pm

Thank you for sharing those Slumdogdelaware.  Tonight's tickets were decided on a month ago around Cynthia's absences.  I am attending with a colleague who went to high school with Heather Headley and really wants to see her as Shug again.  I just wanted to see Cynthia and Heather together one more time.  Getting the email felt like a punch in the gut, but am now looking forward to seeing how her stand-by does.  Oh Cynthia!  Will miss you tonight!

[glindens]

Posted: 9/8/16 at 3:22pm

I saw her stand-in on the 27th, and I thought she was terrific. But I've only seen Cynthia in video clips so I didn't have anything to compare it to. 

[MyFavoriteBrunette]

Posted: 9/9/16 at 3:19am

 

I got to the theater and when I sat to look at my Playbill understudy sheet, I find that Danielle Brooks is out as well.  Thank Goodness Heather was still in, she is TRULY spectacular as Shug, her mannerisms, her facial expressions and extravagant pose when she asks Celie has she ever seen a 'nekid' woman before.  Or when she says to Celie "maybe you'll like him better dead!".  She's soooo enjoyable to watch!  And soulful to listen to. 

The usual "Church Ladies" came up to the plate tonight as understudies and batted it out of the park.  The role of Sofie was played wonderfully by Carrie Compere with comedic spirit and singing on point.  I actually understood her lines a bit better since Danielle really puts in a tough girl's spin on it with the deepening of her voice and some growls for other lines, where tonight I was like "OH! That's what she said!" Ha! 

The biggest shoes to fill were of Celie and Bre Jackson did not disappoint.  Her Celie seemed more innocent and vulnerable than Cynthia's in Act 1, which made me feel so much for her. In Act 2, Bre wasn't as stoic as Cynthia plays the role, but that was to be expected by me as her portrayal was more innocent in Act 1.  Bre's voice is beautiful, her harmonies with Heather were absolutely lovely to hear.  I long awaited to hear her rendition of "I'm Here" and it was delightful.  Bre really has a stunning voice.

Cynthia has that vocal edge though!  It's like Cynthia sings with oxygen tanks built in her lungs and can execute a number effortlessly, that voice of hers reaches you all the way to the back row yet make you feel like you're front and center.  What a strong vocalic talent she has!    

I again enjoyed the performance tonight, I only wish there was a Heather Headley cast recording available!

(apologies for not putting this "review" in the appropriate chat thread.  I believe I've read some in the past but don't recall in which one)

Updated On: 9/9/16 at 03:19 AM

[LYLS3637]

Posted: 9/9/16 at 10:33am

I hope this means she's doing both shows on Saturday... Have tickets for the matinee

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 9/9/16 at 10:59am

You should update your phone. That was like from 20 updates ago.

[MyFavoriteBrunette]

Posted: 9/9/16 at 11:51am

Yes @call_me_jorge, I should but I have an iPhone 5 running iOS 6 because the majority of friends I know who back then updated iPhone 5 to iOS 7 all had their phones act up, including my husband and most had to go buy a later model iPhone (5S and beyond).  I recently bought a 6 and hated it--I have small hands and the phone was to cumbersome for me to even try typing single handedly without fear of dropping it (Not a Siri user).  Then I got the iPhone ES and that went back when I learned  I couldn't sync to my iTunes where I have many PDF's and folders because I need to have Windows 10 and not Vista.   So I have tried to update, and have searched for a reasonably priced iPhone 5s, 64gb in Space Gray to run the latest iOS (which friends have had no problem with) but haven't found one yet.  

Not paying $400 for a "new" old phone because that is 4 discounted Broadway Shows or 2 full priced shows for me!  And theater is important to me!

Updated On: 9/9/16 at 11:51 AM

[MyFavoriteBrunette]

Posted: 9/9/16 at 12:12pm

LYLS3637 said: "I hope this means she's doing both shows on Saturday... Have tickets for the matinee

With no posted absences, I think you should be good.

 

[slumdogdelaware]

Posted: 9/9/16 at 12:22pm

Brunette, glad you enjoyed it even without queen Cynthia! I've seen it with both Cynthia and Bre, and I adore them both. I took my mom to see the show the day before the Tonys and when I found out Cynthia was out I was devastated, more so for my mom who wouldn't get the chance to see her. But Bre really impressed me, and my mom said that if I hadn't told her Cynthia was out, she would have assumed Bre was the star.

I'm going back on Oct. 2 to see Heather's last show, I can't wait!! Praying Cynthia will be in for that show, as she's listed out for the matinee and evening performance the day before.

[MyFavoriteBrunette]

Posted: 9/9/16 at 12:32pm

slumdogdelaware said: 
I'm going back on Oct. 2 to see Heather's last show, I can't wait!! Praying Cynthia will be in for that show, as she's listed out for the matinee and evening performance the day before.

 

I want to go back too!  I would love to go to Heather's last performance but I'll be in London that weekend to see "In The Heights".  I was already looking for another TCP ticket when I got back from the theater last night! (theater life issues!). 

While at the Stage Door last night for my colleague to get his Playbill signed by Heather, we spoke to many who saw the show for the first time and loved Bre.  When the topic of us having seen Cynthia came up, one said "please don't tell me Cynthia is better than Bre" AWWW!  That's some real affection for her performance!  I'm so glad your mom enjoyed Bre as much as we did.

 

Updated On: 9/9/16 at 12:32 PM