Isaac Powell-West Side Story attendance

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. 

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.

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. 

A direct link to that post, for interested parties

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

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

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. 

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.

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

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.