I wonder who will be the new Charlie - I would not be surprised if one of the two covers gets it - it seems like the Tony Winning Lola is the main attraction here, so no need to bring a big name.
"Observe how bravely I conceal this dreadful dreadful shame I feel."
I have heard that they are auditioning for a replacement for Stark, and at least one of the understudies has been asked to audition for it as well (even though he has already performed the role multiple times). So an understudy could get the role, but they (creative staff/producers) are definitely keeping their options open.
Haven would be a great option for Lauren, and is a vet of another Jerry Mitchell show. I can see Andy Kelso taking over for Charlie, and John Jeffrey Martin moving up to the Harry track
"Grease," the fourth revival of the season, is the worst show in the history of theater and represents an unparalleled assault on Western civilization and its values. - Michael Reidel
I had one matinee free this summer and I won the lottery at Kinky Boots, which, let it be said I've never won a lottery a single time,in all my years, so I was pretty excited. Only to find out Ashford was out that day. I saw an understudy Ellyn Marie Marsh and was pretty blown away. Great voice and she had a great spin on the character. (I saw her in a benefit concert earlier in the year and she was hilarious). Granted , I saw the show in Chicago and I remember Ashford being funny, but I don't necessarily remember it all.
All that being said, it seems the lists above is every funny,quirky gal in town. And doesn't seem that pivotal of a role, anyone with good comic timing could do it. I'm a fan of the show and I think the comedy writing would be served with any great broadway comedian.
Replacing Stark will be the much harder task. He's an incredible actor and those songs are not for the weak of voice. Has anyone seen his understudies?
I have an audio of John Jeffrey Martin on as Charlie and he's pretty good. it was his very first performance I believe (Aug.2, but he sounds really great.
Brava to Miss Abby Mueller for making her Broadway debut. She is as insanely talented as her sister. Both ladies are luminous talents and deserve all the best.
If they can find a "name" in those parts, I think they will go there..and not just bump up the understudies. I think both Andy and John JM were fine but not Stark.
Haven't seen Ellyn so can't comment there but a name always boots interest. I don't mean a Hollywood name but someone from the Broadway community.
I've seen forty on an occasional Wed matinees or right before a holiday (like the night before Thanksgiving). But as far as I have seen, it's usually low 20's..
The girl pulling lottery there told me that sometimes the box office has an excess of tickets and uses them as part of the lottery. There were 40 tickets available for the Actors Fund performance in November and less than 30 people were entering.
I was there one Wednesday matinee recently where they gave away 83 lottery tickets. It seems that they're very resistant to be up on TKTS for more than 20-30% off and so instead choose to sell an excess of lottery tickets.
Okay, this barely deserves any response, but whatever. Ashleybrod, NO. Just because ONE lead leaves a show does not mean they ALL leave the show, and Billy is contracted through the beginning of the summer. They did announce a departure for Stark Sands and it is NOT connected to Annaleigh Ashford.