Posted: 12/22/15 at 3:10pm
Updated On: 12/23/15 at 03:10 PM
Posted: 12/22/15 at 3:11pm
So glad you started a new thread for this.
Posted: 12/22/15 at 3:15pm
And, of course, joined just to bash an actor's very first performance in a role.
Sorry you were disappointed.
Posted: 12/22/15 at 3:21pm
Jon was probably just as shocked that he was on as you were shocked he was on.
Posted: 12/22/15 at 3:38pm
I would love to see Jon Rua play Hamilton.
That's him in the center.
Posted: 12/22/15 at 3:46pm
Actually, I believe that kaybay2 was at Jon's second performance as there was a performance yesterday and Lin & Javi were still out.
That being said, kaybay2, have you seen the show before? I'm just curious because of the "wasn't even the same show" comment.
Also, this quote:
What does that even mean? You're saying that because of who plays Alexander that the show falters? That it was Thomas Kail's (the director) fault that you didn't think Alexander Hamilton wasn't present because you were disappointed in the actor playing the character? So, if you had seen it with Javi, you would still believe that the show wasn't strong enough on its own?
Posted: 12/22/15 at 3:55pm
Just a pot stirrer that will be gone before we even remember his/her name.
Posted: 12/22/15 at 4:20pm
It's live theater and while I admit I'm always sad to see an understudy's name on the board when I arrive, I've also seen some fantastic understudy/standby performances (Jared Gertner in for Josh Gad in BOM for one). People get sick and understudies are asked to jump in often with little or no rehearsal- especially when you are talking about a second or third cover- and it's amazing to see them rise to the occasion and the rest of the cast rally around them. I'm sorry you were disappointed, but you also got to see something unique which is what makes live theater great. I was lucky to see Hamilton shortly after it opened and the material and the rest of the cast is so strong that I find it hard to believe that it "wasn't even the same show." Plus, as big a fan as I am of Lin, the real standout performers in my opinion were Renee Elise Goldsberry and Leslie Odom Jr. both of whom you got to see. If I am ever able to go back before this cast departs, I'd be much more disappointed to see one of them out than Lin.
Posted: 12/22/15 at 4:41pm
it's great getting to see the genius who created Hamilton in the show but had someone else written it, LMM would never have been cast in the role. The very talented Jon Rua may or may not eventually settle into the role but I would not put to much stock in the reactions to his first couple of times in. It is a gi-normous role. I can see how someone would say it is not the same show; it is not the same show when Javi does it either, although it is arguably better in that case.
Posted: 12/22/15 at 5:55pm
While I agree that Lin's performance is fantastic, I've seen some incredible understudies...most notable: Jenn Colella as Elizabeth in If/Then, Stephanie Torns as Elphaba in Wicked
Posted: 12/22/15 at 6:28pm
Imagine having a sick actor fumble through the role? That would have been terrible, possibly ruining the show. These standbys and understudies are trained professionals, doing the best they can do to entertain the audience and bring life to the material. Be happy you saw the show.
Posted: 12/22/15 at 11:55pm
I also wonder how much rehearsal Jon Rua has gotten. Both Lin and Javier out was probably not a situation the producers and stage managers were expecting.
Posted: 12/22/15 at 11:58pm
Today Javier was on live at five at Broadway.com and he didn't really sound sick and I know he could've gotten better in two days, but I'm beginning to think it was a planned show for Jon to go on.
Posted: 12/23/15 at 3:57am
Why? There's no reason for that, and no precedent for it either. SOMETIMES (and very rarely) you hear about that happening before a cast member leaves.
Maybe he wasn't sick with a cold...or something else that SOUNDS sick. He could have had a migraine, or been vomiting.
Also... pulling yourself together for a short interview takes a lot less energy than for a full performance.
Posted: 12/23/15 at 8:25am
Updated On: 12/23/15 at 08:25 AM
Posted: 12/23/15 at 8:34am
Oh please. Stop complaining and wait for the bootleg if u want to see the original cast. Or go back and see it again. All 3 Hamiltons are capable, you didn't miss anything special just cause Lin was out. I've seen the show 3 times and Javier is the best Hamilton. But again, stop complaining. There are thousands of people that would have gladly taken your ticket. Be thankful you got to see it.
Updated On: 12/23/15 at 08:34 AM
Posted: 12/23/15 at 8:40am
so preface all these thoughts with "I think that":
When Lin performs, he owns the stage, the performance revolves around him. His presence, his charisma, his power.
...|'m confused, if seeing the show with Jon Rua as Hamilton was your first/only time seeing the show, then how can you think this about Lin's performance as Hamilton?
Posted: 12/23/15 at 8:40am
kaybay2 said: "I wanted to see the original Broadway cast and carry that with me forever. "
I understand being disappointed, but don't you think this was a little unrealistic since you were seeing it this far into the run? Even if you'd gone earlier this fall, you'd have seen Rannells as the King, thus ruining your expectations forever (and ever, and ever).
Posted: 12/23/15 at 8:44am
Be grateful that you got tickets to a show that is impossible to get!
Updated On: 12/23/15 at 08:44 AM
Posted: 12/23/15 at 9:42am
You guys. The producers clearly should have known the OP was coming and cancelled the entire performance since neither Lin nor Javier was available.
Posted: 12/23/15 at 9:46am
LOL the original poster even wrote a "review" on Ticketmaster bashing the understudy and calling him "embarrassing."
Posted: 12/23/15 at 10:01am
kaybay2 said: When Lin performs, he owns the stage, the performance revolves around him. His presence, his charisma, his power. Understudy was miscast, he did not have that aura; he didn't have any power or arrogance. I was looking for him, he was lost on stage.
Some could say that a performance shouldn't revolve around one person, and if that is true and Lin does this (as you stated), some may be disappointed to see Lin at all. Point being, everyone has an opinion and a difference in what they like and do not like. I for one love Lin and Javier in the role of A.Ham. That said, I definitely notice that when watching Javier, the performance revolves less around his character and more around the entire community created on the stage. The end result: two very different shows/performances, both equally enjoyable. I'd be interested in seeing Jon's take on it, making me jealous of your experience on Monday.
Posted: 12/23/15 at 10:06am
I can only second an earlier post: it is live theater. If you want to see a particular performance, go to a movie. And if this disappointment wounds you this much, I don't think you actually "saw" this performance clearly. You sound like you were too upset to drop the "poor me" thing and appreciate what was going on in front of you.
