What does winning the Tony have to do with a need for an alternate? I'm not questioning whether or not their IS a need for one, only the determining factor. I could see vocal strain for this character...but truly, they all race up and down those stairs.
Yet another example of composers writing to be impressive and not taking the human instrument into consideration when composing. A shame, in my opinion.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.