Jeremy Jordan To Depart NEWSIES for SMASH; Corey Cott Takes Over on 9/5 — Page 2

Corey actually did the Wednesday matinee and evening show last week.

^Jeremy Jordan was never billed above the title. Disney shows do not do this.

Well, they sure have a funny definition of alternate, because Corey has only gone on once and doesn't have a regular alternate schedule. By definition - he's a standby, but I guess Disney is the king of redefining things.

Corey went on both shows on Wednesday, and then he also went on Sunday afternoon and yesterday (Monday) evening. A minor thing, but he has gone on more than once and it does seem like he's going to be doing at least two shows a week until he takes over, just based on how his first week went.

I'm not altogether surprised that Jeremy is leaving, I'm mostly just surprised by the timing. I just would have expected a little bit more notice for him leaving, or even that he'd stick it out a little bit longer. But the workload is probably just too much, what with rehearsals, filming, and then making it back to the theatre from wherever they're filming that day. It's tough.

broadwayshowfan: I totally didn't take it like that, and I'm sorry if you thought I did, for that I apologize. I just find it weird they basically have a standby being called an alternate, when he's basically a standby.

Drunk Chita - Preach. Guy needs a break, I respect him for his work ethic and stamina, but when you need to focus on one thing - you gotta do what you gotta do.

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Corey Cott is being billed as an alternate because they know he's going to be going on regularly, which is what differentiates him from a standby, who only goes on in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

What makes this situation unique is that they don't know in advance when or how regularly Cott will perform, since television shows don't usually give actors their shooting schedule until the night before they have to work (which is why the network "owns" you when you go under contract for a TV show.) In order to not make it look like Jordan is missing performances recklessly (since the producers knew he'd be missing them regularly,) they've elected to bill Cott as an alternate, which was smart.

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Updated On: 8/15/12 at 01:02 AM

It has been a heady year for JJ, and he should concentrate on one project, especially one as huge as SMASH.
Still it would be nice if he gave the show that got him a TONY nod as best Actor and his breakthrough role at least a year,
But I can only imagine the difference in $$$, considering what DISNEY pays.
Hs should "Sieze the Pay!"

nope

Here are the two numbers Corey Cott sang from Newsies, including Santa Fe, at the Broadway in Bryant Park concert. Not bad, I'd say.
New Newsies Newsboy Leader: Jeremy Jordan replaced by Corey Cott

In addition to admiring his stamina, I also respect him for the fact that he seemed able to handle all of that with such grace. I remember when they announced Newsies was coming to Broadway, with Jeremy in the middle of previews for B&C, within minutes it seemed his Facebook was bombarded with people demanding to know if/when he was going to leave B&C to do Newsies. I felt so bad for him being pulled in different directions like that, but I think he handled it well and remained loyal to both shows. Even after the unfortunate situation with B&C closing so quickly, he's always remained loyal and proud of it even though he moved on to a hit show. I think that says a lot about his character.