Info on when stars go on vacation?

[Nic 2]

Info on when stars go on vacation?#1

Posted: 5/16/14 at 3:24pm

Is there a way to find out when performers will be on vacation? I'm planning a trip to see Neil Patrick Harris in Hedwig this summer and would be bummed to show up at the theater and find out he's not performing.

[ukpuppetboy]

Info on when stars go on vacation?#2

Posted: 5/16/14 at 3:34pm

Well as has been reported NPH doesn't have an understudy so if he's not there there'll be no show!

I'm interested how this work per Equity rules? Is someone paid to NOT be his understudy or I am wrong in thinking that the union requires a cover?

[AEA AGMA SM]

Info on when stars go on vacation?#2

Posted: 5/16/14 at 3:50pm

Equity does not require stars to have understudies. Primarily to allow producers the option of simply canceling the show if the star is ill or on vacation rather than pay an understudy that they know they would never allow to perform.

[ukpuppetboy]

Info on when stars go on vacation?#3

Posted: 5/16/14 at 3:55pm

Thanks for the info.

[haterobics]

Info on when stars go on vacation?#4

Posted: 5/16/14 at 8:34pm

For above the title people like Neil, it would be on Telecharge if he were going to be out of the show (speaking in general about above the title stars, since NPH has no understudy as noted). But sometimes it is best to check their personal websites/Twitter in advance if you want to know about anyone specific/below the title. I know Ricky Martin had his vacation dates for Evita posted long in advance on his website, before it made it to the Evita site/ticketing, etc.

[mikem]

Info on when stars go on vacation?#5

Posted: 5/17/14 at 8:10am

I think it's odd that NPH doesn't have an understudy. I would think the producers would have one, just in case he got sick in the middle of the show and couldn't continue. If the show doesn't finish, the producers have to give everyone a refund, while if the understudy finishes the show, the only people who get a refund are the people who ask for one. Hugh Jackman in The Boy from Oz, for example, had an understudy who was never going to go on except in that circumstance. Equity has the star exception for understudies, but the only times I can remember when that exception was used was for one-man shows. I guess the producers are thinking that Hedwig is a one-man show. Having an understudy would give Lena Hall's understudy an actor to play against during understudy rehearsal, too.

"What was the name of that cheese that I like?" "you can't run away forever...but there's nothing wrong with getting a good head start" "well I hope and I pray, that maybe someday, you'll walk in the room with my heart"