Broadway Legend Joined: 8/1/14
It sounds like he's desperately trying to protect his own ego (maybe after noticing all the spoilered plot points above that he didn't understand) by tossing attacks like that. I expect most of those who don't like Menzel's singing style or whatever wouldn't even go so far to say that she skips every other show and lacks work ethic.
Stand-by Joined: 7/26/14
Agreed nor would they make disparaging comments about the audience.
Wow. The only reason I keep responding is because you all keep getting your panties in a twist over the smallest things. I didn't LITERALLY mean she has skipped every other show, just noticed that she seems to be out a lot. That's all. If she hasn't been out that much, then lordy lordy I apologize.
And yes, I thought the MESSAGE of the show was VERY basic. Find your destiny. That kind of crap. It's just my opinion. If I think the show is dumb and that the message is dull and boring and "been there" then that's my opinion. Obviously you're not dumb, so who cares?
In James Snyder's latest "Hey Kid" video blog he interviews Jackie about her having shows as Idina's understudy. She also talks about the 1st time when she came on mid show for Idina which has been discussed here. Good video but if you want to see only the part with Jackie then it's about 15 minutes into the video.
http://www.broadway.com/videos/155688/hey-kid-backstage-at-ifthen-with-james-snyder-episode-20-all-about-jackie-burns/?page=1&sort=newest#play
Have yet to see this one.
For those who have, what's the consensus on where to sit to best experience the show? How's the view from the mezz of the Rodgers? I've only done orchestra seating prior -- but, I think I remember hearing there's a 3-tier set?
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/1/14
In the vlog, Burns mentioned how awkward it was when she would do the "Hey, it's me" opening; ouch, poor gal. I'm still struck by how similar her vocal timbre (or whatever you call it) is to Menzel's voice, though it doesn't have that edge...and I wonder how many people at the airport thought she was actually Menzel? I mean, someone did post on Twitter a selfie with Burns and labeled it Menzel, so it's happened.
@LimelightMike:
I had read a comment that said they had the furthest possible seats (mezz) where there are only two seats, and they could still see the stage fine. That said, since this show isn't about the choreography, and the audience has to pay attention, closer might be better; row L starts the "stadium" sections on a rising slope, by other comments. IF/THEN has a 2-tier set.
According to TDF: "For the performances on November 11, November 12, and November 13: The role of Elizabeth, normally played by Idina Menzel, will be played by Jackie Burns (Wicked, Hair, Rock of Ages)."
Jackie Burns was an unexpected delight down here in So Flo. She dazzles.
Featured Actor Joined: 12/12/12
I have seen the show from many areas of the audience and the best for seeing the whole show is orchestra in the seats that start to rise...not sure what row that is. We were on the aisle on the 2nd row of stadium seats and it was perfect to see the whole set.
We also sat in the 3rd row left which was great for watching the acting and seeing Idina up close when she turns on that instrument. Fascinating.
Mezz was ok but I felt separated and this show feels better when you feel you're a part of it.
And by the way: the box office sorta roared back last week, with Menzel in for all 8, jumping 300 grand to 741,000, 80% capacity. If if the average price is low, this is respectable biz. The show seems okay into January, certainly.
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/1/14
That was a nice bump. Ticketmaster had tickets available out to nearly the end of January too, so I guess they'll just keep extending week by week. I'm still mystified about the Nov7 Friday cancellation without an extra Sunday show, and then the following week with Burns will probably tank again, but hopefully subsequent weeks will be made back in gross.
Swing Joined: 11/19/13
I noticed that they added a show on Monday Nov 3, so maybe they are trying that instead of a 2nd Sunday show.
Featured Actor Joined: 6/14/12
That's weird they flat out cancelled the Friday show that week. It makes sense since when Jackie Burns has planned performances they've only been for Tues-Thurs.
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/1/14
"I noticed that they added a show on Monday Nov 3, so maybe they are trying that instead of a 2nd Sunday show."
Oh, nice catch.
Not sure if it's been mentioned here but the reason for the Friday Nov 7 cancellation is so Idina can fly to Nashville to sing in the CMA Christmas special. Will be interesting to see how that Monday night fares
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/1/14
"Not sure if it's been mentioned here but the reason for the Friday Nov 7 cancellation is so Idina can fly to Nashville to sing in the CMA Christmas special. Will be interesting to see how that Monday night fares"
OH. DUH. I posted that date in another thread, too; just didn't put two and two together. *facepalm*
Curtis Holbrook tweeted: "Today I had the thrill of hearing @JennColella kill "Always Staring Over". Jealous???" w/ a pic of her on stage.
Wonder if this means Colella is being rehearsed as Elizabeth in light of Idina's upcoming vacation, just in case?
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/1/14
Makes sense.
Want a recording of Colella singing that, please!
Just saw Curtis' tweet. I would RUN to the Rodgers if Jenn had a show. I've seen the show with Idina 5x and Jackie 1x. Really hoping to see Jenn- if she ever gets the opportunity. But it won't likely ever happen...unfortunately.
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/1/14
Watch Twitter and stuff during the days Burns is on, I guess? Surely someone will tweet if Burns happens to call out during the three upcoming shows...
Just how often does an u/s come on for a stand-by, anyway? I'm guessing the planets must align just so.
Featured Actor Joined: 12/12/12
I also came here to check if Curtis' message meant Jenn was going on today. I would also run to see that. If anyone ever knows ahead of time PLEASE alert on this board!
Stephanie Klemons posted a pic on Instagram with a caption mentioning that it's the last understudy rehearsal....
I wonder if she means that she is leaving the show?....
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/1/14
"She" meaning Klemons? No idea, but I did spot a tweet somewhere that someone new is joining the IF/THEN cast in early November. (Nov3?)
The understudy going on for a standby: I know that in DREAMGIRLS it happened fairly regularly. I saw the third or 4th Effie the night of the CHORUS LINE celebration (was the company playing hookie to be there?), and it was the gifted, young Brenda Pressley. She looked all wrong, about 110 pounds of her, but played the hell out of it and damned if it wasn't remarkable. Act Two, freed of the problem with her being too small, she sparkled. It can be thrilling to see a third or 4th.
Stand-by Joined: 7/26/14
I read that Steph Klemons got a role in Hamilton.
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