Isaac Powell-West Side Story attendance

[Trish2]

Posted: 3/3/20 at 10:00pm

Isaac Powell posted the following on his Instagram account (to much fanfare) just this afternoon:

“I reignite the flame by remembering that there’s a full audience out there. I think about kids that might be in the audience who are like me, who saved up every nickel and dime they had to go to a Broadway show. This might be that performance. Not feeling up to it isn’t an option. I want to give them the full experience. I remember how lucky and grateful I am to have this opportunity.” Interviewed by Rachel Grace Almeida for @heromag.

Oddly enough, his understudy went on tonight. 

Updated On: 3/3/20 at 10:00 PM

[Umeboshi]

Posted: 3/3/20 at 10:17pm

That's disappointing. Seems like he's still recovering from his injury, but that is odd timing for him to post something like that since it sounds like it's not that he's "not feeling up to it" but it's his injury that's preventing him. 

Anyway, glad I didn't hop on that TKTS offer tonight. 

[Hot Pants]

Posted: 3/3/20 at 10:25pm

Given his spotty attendance record after his return, I feel like he maybe should’ve been on break for longer so that he could’ve made a full recovery. By waiting to heal longer, he could’ve been in attendance pretty much every show, now that he’s come in before a full recovery he’s probably gonna continue to miss quite a bit. Hopefully his leg heals up.

[LarryD2]

Posted: 3/4/20 at 8:52am

I would not be surprised a bit if Powell felt pressured to return to the show much sooner than he should have -- especially considering who the producer of this particular production is.

Then again, it's also somewhat surprising that Powell wasn't incentivized to withdraw completely and allow his understudy to take over full time. That would have made for a good story and a distraction from the Ramasar drama.

[ellbellthomps]

Posted: 3/4/20 at 9:09am

Powell carries the show in regards of both acting and social media (the scandals...)

it must be exhausting to be a good guy in the middle of that, esp. with his ankle. i'm sure he'll be back soon. 

[everythingtaboo]

Posted: 3/4/20 at 9:47am

They delayed opening night two weeks to accommodate his healing, if he misses a few shows now to allow himself to more fully heal, it's disappointing for the audience on those nights but he's not going to give up a leading role in a hit show, and in the long run it's best for the show, especially come awards season where he's likely a shoo-in. 

[Hot Pants]

Posted: 3/4/20 at 10:26am

everythingtaboo said: "They delayed opening night two weeks to accommodate his healing, if he misses a few shows now to allow himself to more fully heal, it's disappointing for the audience on those nights but he's not going to give up a leading role in a hit show, andin the long run it's best for the show, especially come awards season where he's likely a shoo-in."

I’d say it’s very debatable that this decision was for the best. I’d rather he take the time to heal up properly and then be able to be in all the shows rather than being forced to do them when he’s not well, which will means it’ll take much longer for him to recover, causing him to miss more shows in the long run.

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 3/4/20 at 10:40am

A direct link to that post, for interested parties

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9SKGXVB1pA/

[FatedDarling]

Posted: 3/4/20 at 11:27am

Love the sentiment here. I know he does 6 a week (still no marinees due to his continued recovery), and I don’t think him having the odd extra night off is unusual beyond that. I’m much more interested in the message. And that if you’re NOT able to give that performance, someone else goes on who is, because that’s what the audience deserves.

Yeah, he should have gotten more recovery time, but could we have survived an even LONGER preview period?

[pdjennings]

Posted: 3/4/20 at 11:57am

Couldn't he just be, you know, sick?

[ellbellthomps]

Posted: 3/4/20 at 11:58am

He has a pretty good track record. 

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 3/4/20 at 1:06pm

It's actually one of the downfalls of social media. All of the tallies of missed shows and how everything is amplified. In the old days, other than some inert gossip, things like this didn't get much traction. Now, it all takes on a new life. Also, his quote is speaking to something outside of a serious injury. He's speaking to the fatigue and ingratitude that can set in on longer runs. He speaking to how he grounds himself. It's very thoughtful. He can't control an injury. 

That being said, he has a big following and they will be disappointed if he is not in. They also will probably post about it in today's "trial by public opinion" society.I feel like some people need to understand how benign things get taken on social media and learn to lay low. If you are out of a show that day I'd advise from not posting other things you are doing or having your partner post videos of you. I think it can rub salt in the wound of the public. Not fair to have to censor oneself, but social media has changed everything. 

[bwaybffs]

Posted: 3/4/20 at 3:28pm

Did wes post stuff of Isaac?

[Trish2]

Posted: 3/4/20 at 8:21pm

Umeboshi said: "That's disappointing. Seems like he's still recovering from his injury, but that is odd timing for him to post something like that since it sounds like it's not that he's "not feeling up to it" but it's his injury that's preventing him.

Anyway, glad I didn't hop on that TKTS offer tonight."

Unfortunately, I DID! When i saw that TKTS was available I checked his Instagram to see if there might be something there to give me a word. And based on his "Proclamation" I just assumed he was going on and purchased my tickets. Since he's been the most talked about performer, I was waiting to see him.

What a disappointment to arrive and find that insert in the program--but more so, what an odd statement for him to post around 3pm on the day of the performance. I think most would take that as I did. Lesson learned.

[poisonivy2]

Posted: 3/4/20 at 8:27pm

Is Isaac in tonight? WSS was on TKTS for both afternoon and evening.

[ljay889]

Posted: 3/5/20 at 12:52am

Has it not been on TKTS often? I got orchestra seat C2 for the matinee at TKTS today. Amazing seat!

Updated On: 3/5/20 at 12:52 AM

[BJR]

Posted: 3/12/20 at 12:21pm

Do we know if he is officially out for all matinees? If so, they should specify that.

[LarryD2]

Posted: 3/12/20 at 1:05pm

I was there last night. There was an understudy on for Riff. Powell, Pimental, Ramasar, Ayala and the rest of the full cast were in. 

[Pashacar]

Posted: 3/12/20 at 2:51pm

Just heard Powell AND Pimental will be out every performance through 4/12. Does this cast even know the meaning of work ethic??