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Females as Understudies for Male Roles?

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#1

Females as Understudies for Male Roles?

So I was watching a live stream from Andrew B Feldman (current Evan on DEH Broadway) and he was also with Gabi Carruba (Zoe and Alana U/S) and someone asked what her dream role she could never play was and she responded "Evan Hansen" but then Andrew said something like "Well you are 2nd u/s so who knows?" Does that mean that Gabi is the second understudy for Evan? I thought it didn't really make sense and I was missing something but it got me wondering if females were ever set as Understudies for Male Roles in this show or in general?
#2

Women as Understudies for Male Roles?

It has happened, but it's probably not happening in DEH.
"This thread reads like a series of White House memos." — Mister Matt
#3

Women as Understudies for Male Roles?

For Once on This Island, Asaka (traditionally female role) was perfromed by Alex Newell (male) and understudies were Aurelia Williams (female), Cicily Daniels (female), Ximone Rose (female).

Also, Papa Ge (traditionally male role) was performed by Merle Dandridge (female) and understudies were T. Oliver Reid (male) and Allan Washington (male)

#4

Women as Understudies for Male Roles?

Making the title character a lesbian certainly would be an interesting twist on Dear Evan Hansen.


==> this board is a nest of vipers <==

"Michael Riedel...The Perez Hilton of the New York Theatre scene"
- Craig Hepworth, What's On Stage
#5

Women as Understudies for Male Roles?

When Aladdin first opened, Marisha Wallace covered the role of Babkak and I believe she even went on in the role.


"Anybody that goes to the theater, I think we’re all misfits, so we ended up on stage or in the audience.” --- Patti LuPone.
#6

Women as Understudies for Male Roles?

In London's most recent revival of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Adelphi Theatre there was a female member of the ensemble who was first understudy for Benjamin.


"Charlotte, we're Jewish"
#7

Women as Understudies for Male Roles?

The School of Rock parents were understudied by different people. Sometimes kids had a male and female parents, or sometimes they had gay dads, or gay moms...They didn't seem to mind about any of that.

#8

Women as Understudies for Male Roles?

I didn't see it myself, but I have a vague memory that for Thoroughly Modern Millie, one of the Chinese "brothers" was sometimes swapped out for a sister in the case of understudies.

#9

Women as Understudies for Male Roles?

I believe you are correct. The smaller of the two roles, Bun Foo, understudied his brother Ching Ho. Darren Lee then also understudied both brothers and finally Joann M. Hunter understudied Bun Foo.

#11

Women as Understudies for Male Roles?

Makes me wonder if Patina Miller had male understudies when she played the Leading Player in Pippin.

#12

Women as Understudies for Male Roles?

theaterlyfe19 said: "Makes me wonder if Patina Miller had male understudies when she played the Leading Player in Pippin."

She didn't - both of her understudies were female.


"Anybody that goes to the theater, I think we’re all misfits, so we ended up on stage or in the audience.” --- Patti LuPone.
#13

Women as Understudies for Male Roles?

In Les Mis, one of the little girls usually covers Gavroche. I’m sure there have been other examples with children.
#14

Women as Understudies for Male Roles?

Trina55 said: "In Les Mis, one of the little girls usually covers Gavroche. I’m sure there have been other examples with children."

Tam in Miss Saigon.


==> this board is a nest of vipers <==

"Michael Riedel...The Perez Hilton of the New York Theatre scene"
- Craig Hepworth, What's On Stage
#15

Women as Understudies for Male Roles?

I agree, although the jokes about secret gay email accounts may be slightly limited but I feel like that could be played with. Although since Connor would still be a male, it would sort of take away that aspect altogether . Maybe like a secret relationship email account? Then she could be like dude I’m gay.

























#16

Women as Understudies for Male Roles?

Ryan Watkinson understudied Jackie Hoffman and Andre Ward understudied Jackie and Mary Testa in Xanadu. Annie Golden understudied both roles as well.

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