Karen Olivo Out of "West Side Story" Tonight- Page 7

[StageManager2]

Posted: 6/11/09 at 9:16am

"Why can't you entertain the idea that she's probably actually sick?"

I didn't say that couldn't be the case. I'm all for giving people the benefit of the doubt. But ljay's not considering other options. The first night it was "Her voice sounded hoarse (at the Tonys)" and now "She must be really sick." Like there couldn't be other reasons for her absence. God forbid Karen calls out 'cause she's not up to it!

Updated On: 6/11/09 at 09:16 AM

[dramamama611]

Posted: 6/11/09 at 9:18am

You are probably right about the necessary shifting...but still!

[songanddanceman2]

Posted: 6/11/09 at 9:25am

Good god these threads are silly

Sometimes actors/singers/dancers get ill, sometimes they have an emergency what arises.
Do you honestly think that because they work on stage they should never get ill or never have time off?

Ive done long runs in shows myself, and as much as you want to be on everyday sometimes you have to give in to ilness and take time off.

This is why understudies are there and such an important part of theatre.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 6/11/09 at 9:37am

Gosh, I think we all realize that...but you have to admit EIGHT understudies is tremendous!

Personally, I never mind understudies...particularly when it's a show I've seen previously. I was lucky very young in my theater going life to have some seen some amazing understudies and I clearly remember walking out of the theater after a performance of BARNUM (yes, I'm that old) when Tony Orlando took over the role while Jim Dale was on vacation. The only thought that went through my head was: there is no way that Jim Dale could have been any better.

Understudies, like techies, are severely undereappreciated.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 6/11/09 at 9:54am

I still think it's Arthur's fault.

[blueroses]

Posted: 6/11/09 at 10:04am

See the far superior revivals HAIR or South Pacific instead!
Updated On: 6/11/09 at 10:04 AM

[ljay889]

Posted: 6/11/09 at 10:30am

"Please, ljay! Your fanatical devotion is disturbing. "


Lol. How is me being a fan and sticking up for Olivo when needed "disturbing?" How is it any different from other people being fans and supporters of a certain performer. If you did your research, I was actually NOT happy when she was announced for the role, but she proved me wrong and certainly turned me into a fan. Unfortunately she received a lot of unnecessary hate on this board (as does the revival), and I am glad to stick up for.

But fanatical devotion?? lol. Yes, I am a big fan, and I enjoy her. And yes I find it super amusing so many posters refused to believe she would win.... and she did. But I do not think I am a fan to the point it is "disturbing."

[ShbrtAlley44]

Posted: 6/11/09 at 10:36am

"Should have gone home," not "Should have went home."

[ljay889]

Posted: 6/11/09 at 10:40am

Thx <3

[mikem]

Posted: 6/11/09 at 10:49am

This is my understanding of who has been out the past few days (please correct or add as appropriate):

Sat June 6 matinee - Josefina Scaglione, Karen Olivo, George Akram, Cody Green all out
Sat June 6 evening - Matt Cavenaugh, Cody both out
Sun June 7 matinee - Josefina, Karen, George, Cody, Matt all out
Tues June 9 evening - Karen out
Weds June 10 evening - Josefina, Karen, Cody all out (plus 5 other understudies)

Plus I am sure other ensemble members have been out that are not listed.

Of course, they all work together closely so they may be infecting each other and making each other sick, but this seems like a lot of absences for the principals. Not to start rumors, but I wonder whether there is something going on that we don't know about. (Not necessarily something tricky, just some other commitment that we aren't aware of.)

I seem to remember that at one point with the OBC of Wicked, Idina Menzel, Joel Grey, Kristin Chenoweth, and Norbert Leo Butz were all out at the same performance, but that is the closest I have ever heard of an original cast having so many principals out at the same time. (And in that case, there were extenuating circumstances for both Idina (shooting a movie) and Joel Grey (on medical leave).)

Updated On: 6/11/09 at 10:49 AM

[D2]

Posted: 6/11/09 at 10:51am

WHO CARES ANYMORE?

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 6/11/09 at 11:40am

Again I am wondering why they didn't put on Kat Nejat
She is possibly the only reason Iw ould go back to see the show with an Anita understudy again. Did you see her, ljay?



I was at the show with Clumsy last night and will agree that Yanira Marin was horrendous. I really wanted to like her as Anita, but it jsut wasn't happening. She's a good dancer but she screamed instead of singing, and for the msot part seemed to try to be Karen Olivo, and it just did not work. During the rape scene at Doc's I kind of wondered if she noticed what was happening? There was absolutely no emotion in that scene, but also in her general performance. (And if anyone cares, Karen is indeed sick and they weren't sure if she'll be back tonight.)


That being said, Haley Carlucci was fabulous as Maria. Her singing is lovely and her acting was spot on.

[ljay889]

Posted: 6/11/09 at 11:42am

I did not see Kat, but she was on for Anita on Sunday.

I really hope Karen is back soon.

[SporkGoddess]

Posted: 6/11/09 at 11:44am

Why is everyone assuming it's H1N1? It could be any kind of flu or even a bad cold.

[songanddanceman2]

Posted: 6/11/09 at 11:46am

Something has probably gone around the cast and thats why so many are off.....life goes on

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 6/11/09 at 11:47am

I did not see Kat, but she was on for Anita on Sunday.

I heard. I think she could be really good as Anita.

[ljay889]

Posted: 6/11/09 at 11:48am

Did Yanira do the matinee yesterday? Maybe Kat did?

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 6/11/09 at 11:50am

Yanira did both shows yesterday.

[ljay889]

Posted: 6/11/09 at 11:52am

Odd. You would think they would give Kat one of them.


Also, which one is Yanira in the ensemble? I know she plays Alicia, but I can't figure out which girl she is. Does she wear the blonde wig?
Updated On: 6/11/09 at 11:52 AM

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 6/11/09 at 11:57am

Blonde wig is Danielle Polanco. Yanira wears a puffy purple dress.


EDIT: As I just realized that is about the most unhelpful description ever, she is the one next to Karen:

Updated On: 6/11/09 at 11:57 AM

[bethnor]

Posted: 6/11/09 at 12:03pm

WHO CARES ANYMORE?

WELL YOU SEEM TO, SINCE YOU'RE SCREAMING.

[ljay889]

Posted: 6/11/09 at 12:06pm

Thanks for the pic!

Is she in AMERICA? Updated On: 6/11/09 at 12:06 PM

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 6/11/09 at 12:07pm

I don't think so, no. (Is it horrible that I can't remember?)

[ljay889]

Posted: 6/11/09 at 12:09pm

Yeah, I'm watching the America press clip, and I do not see Yanira in it.

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 6/11/09 at 12:14pm

So she's only in Dance at the Gym and (I think) Somewhere.