Hadestown Understudies- Page 2

[SpookyFish13]

Posted: 7/22/19 at 1:21pm

Last I heard she was on a 2 week vocal rest due to nodes-like symptoms. But the fact that the show hasn’t made an official announcement is kinda bad news. Usually shows don’t announce stuff like this if they think there’s a strong chance the vocal rest will be extended. They wouldn’t want people to book tickets for after she’s scheduled to be back and then demand a refund when her sick-leave is extended.

[Piparoo]

Posted: 7/22/19 at 1:33pm

SpookyFish13 said: "Last I heard she was on a 2 week vocal rest due to nodes-like symptoms. But the fact that the show hasn’t made an official announcement is kinda bad news. Usually shows don’t announce stuff like this if they think there’s a strong chance the vocal rest will be extended. They wouldn’t want people to book tickets for after she’s scheduled to be back and then demand a refund when her sick-leave is extended."

Ugh! This is not what I was hoping to read. We bought premium tickets for the end of July, expecting to see the original cast, and we're traveling from out of state, so exchange is not a great option. Is there anything we can do? I'm sure the U/S is great, but not what we are hoping to see.

[LarryD2]

Posted: 7/22/19 at 1:51pm

Piparoo said: "SpookyFish13 said: "Last I heard she was on a 2 week vocal rest due to nodes-like symptoms. But the fact that the show hasn’t made an official announcement is kinda bad news. Usually shows don’t announce stuff like this if they think there’s a strong chance the vocal rest will be extended. They wouldn’t want people to book tickets for after she’s scheduled to be back and then demand a refund when her sick-leave is extended."

Ugh! This is not what I was hoping to read. We bought premium tickets for the end of July, expecting to see the original cast, and we're traveling from out of state, so exchange is not a great option. Is there anything we can do? I'm sure the U/S is great, but not what we are hoping to see."

I'm not sure what you mean when you ask, "Is there anything we can do?" You can't compel someone to perform if they are ill or scheduled to be out. You can try to obtain a refund and see another show. You can cancel your trip. Or you can see the show as scheduled, where you might have the chance of getting a standby.

[Piparoo]

Posted: 7/22/19 at 1:58pm

LarryD2 said: "I'm not sure what you mean when you ask, "Is there anything we can do?" You can't compel someone to perform if they are ill or scheduled to be out. You can try to obtain a refund and see another show. You can cancel your trip. Or you can see the show as scheduled, where you might have the chance of getting a standby."

I think you are sure what I meant and are feeling a little sassy this afternoon, n'est pas? But I'll do my best to clarify. If I call the box office, will they give out information about Ms. Noblezada's anticipated absence/return date? How likely are they to offer a refund in this type of scenario?

[anislander]

Posted: 7/22/19 at 2:31pm

Can’t speak for Khalia, but after seeing Jessie this past Friday, I can say she will not disappoint you. After seeing both Eva and Jessie, I think I might even have liked Jessie more.

[Scarlet Leigh]

Posted: 7/22/19 at 2:53pm

Piparoo said: "I think you are sure what I meant and are feeling a little sassy this afternoon, n'est pas? But I'll do my best to clarify. If I call the box office, will they give out information about Ms. Noblezada's anticipated absence/return date? How likely are they to offer a refund in this type of scenario?"

They might but things can also change at a moments notice. Even if she is back by then (which I don't know/think she will if her vocal issues are as bad as they seem to be) someone ELSE could be out. There is NEVER a way to assure yourself you will seen the entire original cast of a show. You have a BETTER chance at it BEFORE Tony Awards but after that, it's fair game. People take trips, people have family emergencies, people can get sick. You are NEVER promised the full cast at any performance ever.

And being that she is not an "over the title" name, they are not technically obligated to offer you a refund. Now, being that this show is such a hot ticket, if they feel like they could resell the ticket should you return it, they might allow it. But unless it's a case of like "Bette Midler IN Hello Dolly" or "Hugh Jackman IN The Music Man" they can tell you all sales final.

What's more, Eva being in this show (from the opinion of someone that's seen it) is 100% NOT a make or break. I would be more upset if Amber or Patrick was out. I LOVED Eva in it, do not get me wrong but her performance as well as Reeve's are the least 'unique' of the main cast. And it's nothing against their acting it's more the way the characters are written. Anyone could play the roles and I don't feel like you loose much in fact you might get someone that plays the role differently that works even better for the show. I have heard that Jessie is fantastic in the role from more than one person that has seen her.

[LarryD2]

Posted: 7/22/19 at 2:57pm

I don't know if they are offering refunds if cast members are out. The show is currently doing SRO business, so I wouldn't be surprised if they'd be happy to have a few premium tickets they can resell on the cancellation line. I would personally go see the show even if Eva was out, especially if a refund isn't offered. But that's just me. Chacun son gout.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 7/22/19 at 3:05pm

^I agree. She's lovely in the role, but not irreplaceable.

[bwaylinds]

Posted: 7/22/19 at 3:31pm

I've seen the show twice, but never with Eva so I cannot compare them to her but I will say both Khalia and Jessie are phenomenal in the role. I cannot decide which of the two I prefer but Jessie has a phenomenal voice that really reminds me of Anaïs while Khalia has this raspy tone that really works with her sarcastic portrayal of Euridyce. I'm certain Eva is amazing and I was upset to miss her, but she is definitely not irreplaceable. Andre, however, is not somebody you want to miss. I don't know how to describe his performance to someone who has not seen it but he is honestly a divine, god-like presence on that stage and I question how anyone can replicate that. He's yet to miss a show though so unless there's an emergency, he will probably be on. Between her mannerisms and chemistry with Patrick, Amber is also a force to be reckoned with and someone I simply could not stop staring at either time I saw the show. Maybe it's because they have been a part of the show for so long but I honestly cannot imagine Hadestown without Amber Gray's drunken movements and Patrick Page's haunting voice. I know he is not popular on here and maybe I'm biased because I'm a longtime fan of his music, but Reeve Carney is such a joy to watch. He is simply so darn charming it's impossible to not be on his side. I'm sure the understudies are amazing though they've never been on but I adore him so much.

[SpookyFish13]

Posted: 7/22/19 at 3:33pm

Im planning on seeing it in August, and im praying that Eva is feeling better by then. Ever since her amazing performance in Miss Saigon (one of my favorite shows of all time) Ive stanned. I’m literally cutting my summer vacation in Costa Rica short just to have time to make it to NY before university starts back up again. Obviously ill still see the show regardless if shes back or not, but im just praying that she’s healthy enough to perform by early August.

That being said, I hope she takes all the time she needs to recover. She has a long career ahead of her and it would be criminal to do serious damage to her vocal cords in order to avoid disappointing her fans.

Updated On: 7/22/19 at 03:33 PM

[Scarlet Leigh]

Posted: 7/22/19 at 4:28pm

SpookyFish13 said: "That being said, I hope she takes all the time she needs to recover. She has a long career ahead of her and it would be criminal to do serious damage to her vocal cords in order to avoid disappointing her fans."

^ This.

To me I would rather see a performer take the time they need to recover and heal with all the time they need then push themselves through it and possibly do permanent damage that could cost them a long and successful career. So while it might be disappointing to not see someone you really want to see, it's not like she's just calling out of the show to cus she just feels like having a day off. Let her take all the time she needs to heal.

[Mr. Wormwood]

Posted: 7/22/19 at 4:30pm

Piparoo said: "SpookyFish13 said: "Last I heard she was on a 2 week vocal rest due to nodes-like symptoms. But the fact that the show hasn’t made an official announcement is kinda bad news. Usually shows don’t announce stuff like this if they think there’s a strong chance the vocal rest will be extended. They wouldn’t want people to book tickets for after she’s scheduled to be back and then demand a refund when her sick-leave is extended."

Ugh! This is not what I was hoping to read. We bought premium tickets for the end of July, expecting to see the original cast, and we're traveling from out of state, so exchange is not a great option. Is there anything we can do? I'm sure the U/S is great, but not what we are hoping to see."

Eva's great but I don't think she's a reason to try to get a refund if she's not back. It would be a tougher call if Andre, Amber, or Patrick were out IMO.

[conealpetterson]

Posted: 7/22/19 at 5:49pm

I think the show holds up very well with Eva’s understudies. I agree that André, Amber, and Patrick are the ones I wouldn’t want to miss. Within a couple minutes of André taking the stage I thought to myself - “Oh, he’s magical.” The way he moves, his singing and his presence on the stage completely drew me in. And watching Amber and Patrick as they rekindle their love is some incredible acting. I personally thought Orpheus and Eurydice’s story pales compared to that because I never really felt that love so strong that he would go to hell for her.

[Hot Pants]

Posted: 7/23/19 at 12:52am

I agree with the sentiment that Carney and Noblezada are not irreplaceable. Page, Gray, and De Shields however, all offer such amazing performances, and truly unique presences that it’s going to be exceptionally difficult to get anyone to properly fill their shoes. They’re voices are all so different from practically every other singer I’ve ever heard on Broadway that I seriously struggle to think of anyone else performing their songs. They’re all just so perfectly cast that I genuinely pity whoever follows in their footsteps. No matter how good their replacements are, I just can’t imagine anyone ever topping André’s electric swagger, Amber’s gripping tipsiness, and Patrick’s heartbreaking menace.

[PipingHotPiccolo]

Posted: 7/23/19 at 1:02am

Eva has a ridiculous voice but the role is bland, and as long as her standbys can sing (and I am guessing they can), it would be a shame to let it impact your enjoyment of the show. She sorta disappears in the second act for a while. And no way the box office can help you here. 

But some of my favorite Broadway experiences were catching an incredible understudy steal the show. Enjoy it.

[Olivia11]

Posted: 7/23/19 at 1:12am

Do we have any idea on contract dates for the leads?

[Lot666]

Posted: 7/23/19 at 8:41am

I definitely agree with the popular opinion that Mr. De Shields carries the show, and he's the one I'd be most concerned about seeing while you can. That said, I believe that Billy Porter would be the best possible replacement for Hermes when the time comes.

Someone noted above that, while Ms. Noblezada has a lovely voice, the role of Eurydice is somewhat bland and therefore doesn't require much beyond a lovely voice. Consequently, almost any young woman with a good voice could play this role without significant detriment to the show.

[SneakySylveon]

Posted: 7/23/19 at 9:14pm

Eva posted on instagram that shes back starting tomorrow!!

[Ahmy]

Posted: 7/23/19 at 10:37pm

Hot Pants said: "I recall Timothy Hughes saying that he sings Hades up an octave. Or at least the lowest notes are up an octave, I’m not quite sure, but I know it’s one or the other. The fact that Page’s understudies can’t perform Hades’ music as written (which is absolutely no knock against them, as Hades is not written in a key that seems humanly possible) leads me to believe that it’s gonna be very difficult to recast the role. My guess is whoever they get to replace Page will likely sing it up an octave as well, as so few have a voice like his."

I know Alex Gibson (Octet & Spongebob) has a comparable range to Page.
Billy Porter as Hermes is a brilliant idea. Wayne Brady could work, also.

[SpookyFish13]

Posted: 7/24/19 at 12:52am

SneakySylveon said: "Eva posted on instagram that shes back starting tomorrow!! "

Ayyyy that’s amazing news! Glad she’s feeling better! Looking forward to seeing her in August!

[Melodicinflation0]

Posted: 7/24/19 at 3:27pm

At the matinee today. Can confirm Eva is back!

[ChairinMain]

Posted: 7/25/19 at 12:39pm

Has there been anything published about vacation dates for any of the cast? seeing the show in October, praying that they're all there. 

[BLs68]

Posted: 7/25/19 at 1:05pm

ChairinMain said: "Has there been anything published about vacation dates for any of the cast? seeing the show in October, praying that they're all there."

Someone on an IG live a few weeks back said Amber has a scheduled vacation but didn’t say when or how long. And who would go on for her. 

[wewdie]

Posted: 11/26/19 at 2:21pm

Any news on vacations for the Hadestown principles around the holidays or early January?  Really hoping to catch Andre and Amber.  Is the first week of January a typical vacation time?

[Nolan LuPone]

Posted: 10/9/21 at 10:48am

Is Andre DeShields ok? He has been missing a lot of shows recently.