How important is it to you to see a show with its original cast?

No, I really enjoy seeing different interpretations.

I'm theoretically all for the idea of going back again and witnessing a new interpretation, but too often the replacements are just trying to do an imitation of their previous counterparts and it comes across as stale. Usually it's more interesting when an actor gets replaced in between a regional/off-Broadway production and the Broadway one, as the actor is frequently hired to re-interpret the role.

Depends on the show. Some shows I haven't cared much, I'm more interested in the show itself. But I spent a good chunk of money to fly to NYC and see Hamilton with the OBC, and it was worth every penny to see the actors I've been idolizing doing the show I love.

It's nice to get to see a full original cast, but I certainly will not be turned off by seeing any replacement casting. I've even seen a few instances where the replacement has been just as good, if not better than the original cast member.

Also, it's always nice to see how different people play a role or play off other cast members. No person plays a role exactly the same and I find that refreshing especially if it is a show you've seen more than once.

Updated On: 3/4/17 at 09:39 AM

In the hundreds of shows I've seen I saw probably a handful of full original cast members. It doesn't matter to me. I see the show for the show.

Seeing the original cast is really not important to me at all. When I'm in New York I pick the shows I see based on how interested I am in them. I actually really love seeing multiple people play the same role and see how they interpret the role. I've seen two different Medium and Small Alisons as well as fourteen different Matildas. I love seeing what different people bring to my favorite shows.

The only exception to this is if Jessie Mueller is in the original cast then I'll go see that show if I can.

I tend to want to see shows only once, maybe twice of the replacement is exciting (CABARET) or if I loved the show (DROOD revival), so I prefer to see the original cast.

Plus, a lot of shows I see don't last beyond the OBC so it's either see them or miss it altogether.

My one exception to the multiples rule was HEDWIG (4x) because every actor brought something new and different to the role that made it feel fresh every time without fail (even Taye Diggs ??)

Sometimes I prefer the casts I see in Chicago than the casts that are either on Broadway or the OBC.

Some examples have been: The Book of Mormon, Wicked and Hamilton

LizzieCurry said: "If I can see an OBC, I will, but generally it's not a make-or-break thing for me. It's nice but I won't go out of my way.

Maybe because I didn't grow up anywhere near here and didn't even visit NYC until 10 years ago, so I don't associate an OBC with being a "must."



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This is kind of my experience too. My first show was Mamma Mia back in 2007. It had already been playing for awhile. I think I am seeing more original casts now than I have in the past because I am seeing things sooner. But, I still have yet to see Hamilton, The Book of Mormon, or The Lion King because the tickets are out of my price range.

6.5 hour is a quick ride?!

Also, I meant to say in my post -- I've been living in NYC for almost six years, which I think has also decreased my sense of urgency with the long-runners I've never seen, like Chicago. (I saw The Lion King on tour a dozen years ago and don't care to see it again, I haven't seen Phantom since Norm Lewis was at the end of his run, etc.) But also being here means there's less effort to see an OBC. Maybe it all balances out.

My experiences are few. It wasn't until I saw Stephanie Block in Wicked at the age of 43 or thereabouts, that I became a theater fan it wasn't something that occurred in my sphere. I had seen Rent on the road, Phantom, but that was it. Nothing grabbed me like her performance that day. So no in that case Stephanie Block should have been the original Elphaba. However, I can't imagine let's say Pippin without the circus that was demonstrated when it was revived. Patina Miller, the whole cast, I had no interest when it toured. I thought Fun Home was poorly cast and I love that show, hope I live for a revival.

I live in Clarksburg WV. The best thing (for me) about driving to Pittsburgh is that it gets me away from here (and my routine life) even if it's just for a day - to see a museum, treat myself to a nice lunch in Market Square, and see a show. Pittsburgh has a ton of stuff to offer, and a wonderful, quality Cultural District. I've seen fourteen other performances since Nov. 2015 at Heinz Hall, the Byham Theater, Cabaret at Theater Square, and the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts that weren't Broadway related. I've bought two shows at the O'Reilly Theater for between now and June.

And the 'quick ride' comment was a little bit of tongue and cheek humor. :)