How important is it to you to see a show with its original cast? — Page 2

"Move to Pittsburgh youins."

I go to see some shows because I like/think I will like the actual production, but I will admit that I go to other shows - on rare occasions - because of the people involved. If the first is my reason for attending, I am not terribly concerned about the performers, assuming they are reasonably professional/talented/whatever. If I am going because of a particular presence, it would disappoint me. But that's the way live theater works. If you want certainty, go to a movie.

In my experience, in the top shows each season, the talent of the original cast is on a different level than most replacements and touring casts. Not necessarily to say that the actors replacing the originals are less talented, but they are often directed to fit the original actor's outlines and are often less experienced. Additionally, there are stars and favorites who I specifically want to see onstage. So - yes, when I can take advantage, I try to see the original casts in the new shows. Since I live on the other coast, I usually can't revisit a show to see a replacement performer, or more accurately, new shows have a higher priority than replacement casts in shows I've already seen.
As for tours - yes, the casts in the first-class tours are usually excellent - and fully equal to the replacement casts on Broadway. Luckily in SF, most tour productions are Equity, 1NT-level shows, so the experience is solid.
But when filling the slots for a NY trip, I look for the OBC.

Jesus, the original cast three times!? You must be rich! With Hamilton it was kind of important to me, but honestly it depends on the show. I usually want the original casts, but with shows like Spring Awakening or The Book of Mormon, just to name a few, it doesn't matter to me because I like to see different interpretations of the characters.

dmwnc1959 said: "But in post above, 1NT-level is used: does that mean first National Tour?"

Yep!