"Haterobics-they're going to have to rely on a big name for a bit. There are also NEW shows coming-and to stay alive Hedwig needs that big name (it's a bigger theater than if they were downtown...)."
Everyone just keeps repeating this, but I just don't see how we know it to be true, as there was only one Hedwig, and he is a big name. If they needed NPH to get investors, well, the show is open and recouped, so that's sorted out.
The If/Then producers know Idina is the show, and that's why people are buying tickets, and when she got sick, they even offered people who stayed a chance to come back and see Idina in the role. Everyone I know that saw or wants to see the show wants to see Hedwig, whoever is in the heels is secondary, although maybe that just means I curated a good group of friends.
How does a new show in previews have an advantage over a show that won a Tony?