Kinky Boots understudies

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Kinky Boots understudies

Posted: 7/31/13 at 7:27am

I believe last night was the first time an understudy has gone on in a principal role in Kinky Boots. Did anyone catch Ellyn Marsh's Lauren debut? She's also on today.

John Jeffrey Martin also tweeted the other day
"Hey @KinkyBootsFans I'll be playing #charlieprice weds aug 28th at 2 pm, and sat.August 31st at 2 pm!!.."

On another note, Kyle Taylor Parker now covers Lola. Does anyone know if either of the other two Lola covers (Timothy/Kevin) have left?

Kinky Boots understudies

Posted: 7/31/13 at 11:01am

Understudies have gone on for Lauren at Kinky Boots since Saturday..as Annaleigh was taking a week off for her wedding. This had been planned all along.

I believe there are two actresses filling in for her in her absence. I don't know the name of the other one but if I am not mistaken, the other one was on this past weekend.

Kinky Boots understudies

Posted: 7/31/13 at 11:19am

^ truth.

Also, Timothy Ware and Kevin Kirkwood are still in the show. Kyle was just added as a 3rd cover for the role of Lola.

Kinky Boots understudies

Posted: 7/31/13 at 3:14pm

John Jeffrey Martin also tweeted the other day
"Hey @KinkyBootsFans I'll be playing #charlieprice weds aug 28th at 2 pm, and sat.August 31st at 2 pm!!.."

The first understudy for Charlie, Andy Kelso, will play the role at all the other performances that week.

Kinky Boots understudies

Posted: 7/31/13 at 3:16pm

does anyone know if Kelso has gone on as charlie previously?

Kinky Boots understudies

Posted: 7/31/13 at 5:33pm

I don't think Sands has missed a performance yet.

Up In One

Kinky Boots understudies

Posted: 7/31/13 at 7:31pm

I think that the understudies would be fine for s rolls besides Lola. I feel like it is an enormous task to even come up to the sparklers ankles of billy porter. This is a very tough casting gig and I'm curious to see how the understudies will do and to see (in the future) how other actors will interpret the fabulous Simon.

Let me be your star, now wouldn't that be lovely?

Kinky Boots understudies

Posted: 7/31/13 at 8:21pm

^ I agree with you. Billy Porter has created a fabulous role with big Kinky Boots to fill. I am sure we will see some fierce Lola's/Simon for the road companies. I think Nathan Lee Graham or Kwame Michael Remy would be stellar in that role.. I am sure the understudies on Bway would do just fine. I would much prefer to see Kyle Parker and Kevin Kirkwood than Timothy Ware on for Billy. However, I am sure Billy won't be calling out anytime soon. He is Just AMAZING!

There is nothing in the world better than Live Theater.

Kinky Boots understudies

Posted: 7/31/13 at 8:21pm

I forgot to mention. I can't imagine anyone bringing the flare and sass that Billy Brings to Lola/Simon.

There is nothing in the world better than Live Theater.

Updated On: 7/31/13 at 08:21 PM

#10

Kinky Boots understudies

Posted: 7/31/13 at 8:22pm

There is nothing in the world better than Live Theater.

Updated On: 7/31/13 at 08:22 PM

#11

Kinky Boots understudies

Posted: 7/31/13 at 9:07pm

Nathan Lee Graham would (probably) be great as Lola! I'd be on board with that.

#12

Kinky Boots understudies

Posted: 7/31/13 at 9:18pm

does anyone know if Kelso has gone on as charlie previously?

Andy Kelso has NOT been on for Charlie previously.

#13

Video of Andy Kelso Singing Boots

Posted: 8/1/13 at 11:23am

Video of the two understudies

Kelso singing Step One

Up In One

Updated On: 8/1/13 at 11:23 AM

#14

Video of Andy Kelso Singing Boots

Posted: 8/1/13 at 3:30pm

The accompanist is playing at an ungodly slow tempo on these
Ware singing Hold Me in Your Heart

"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

#15

Video of Andy Kelso Singing Boots

Posted: 8/1/13 at 4:55pm

If anyone is interested, there is an interview with Andy about understudying Charlie (and more):

Bway Spotted Interview with Andy Kelso

#16

Video of Andy Kelso Singing Boots

Posted: 8/1/13 at 7:28pm

There is an audio of Ellyn Marsh as Lauren singing "History of Wrong Guys" on Tumblr. She sounds great!

#17

Video of Andy Kelso Singing Boots

Posted: 8/1/13 at 7:42pm

Annaleigh is back tonight already. Short honeymoon...she didn't even take a full week off. Congrats on her wedding.

#18

Video of Andy Kelso Singing Boots

Posted: 8/1/13 at 8:27pm

I have not seen the understudies, but I really feel like the videos don't do them justice. Their voices are great, but I don't think these songs, especially Step One, are not suitable for the piano to be the only instrument accompanying the singers.

I am very curious to see how others will interpret Lola/Simon! Billy Porter is so wonderful in this role, definitely big shoes to fill as many people noted. I also think Stark Sands is awesome!

#19

Video of Andy Kelso Singing Boots

Posted: 8/1/13 at 9:00pm

I do think Andy has very nice presence (and great voice) in his small part in KB....so I would imagine he would do a nice job with Charlie.

#20

Video of Andy Kelso Singing Boots

Posted: 8/2/13 at 10:00am

I wonder what the other understudies sound like singing this song. I agree the type was very slow.

There is nothing in the world better than Live Theater.

#21

Video of Andy Kelso Singing Boots

Posted: 8/2/13 at 11:56am

jetts7, would you mind PM'ing me the link to Ellyn's performance? Thank you!

#22

Video of Andy Kelso Singing Boots

Posted: 8/2/13 at 1:13pm

^me too please

"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

#23

Video of Andy Kelso Singing Boots

Posted: 8/2/13 at 2:28pm

me three - if you don't mind.

"Observe how bravely I conceal this dreadful dreadful shame I feel."

#24

Video of Andy Kelso Singing Boots

Posted: 8/18/13 at 6:37am

Did anyone on here see Ellyn or Sandra as Lauren or does anyone know if Billy has any upcoming days off? It will be interesting to see how his understudy compares

#25

Video of Andy Kelso Singing Boots

Posted: 8/18/13 at 12:02pm

I saw Ellyn's debut as Lauren (and I may or may not be the one who posted that audio oops) and I must say, for her debut, she did fairly well. There were a couple points where she seemed a little unsure of herself. I got a "Am I supposed to be here?" feel on her face sometimes. But if you didn't know it was her first time going on, you couldn't tell.

I also felt she wasn't quite sure what direction she wanted to take the character in but her vocals were great and I didn't feel she was copying Annaleigh's Lauren (although, in some spots where she didn't make a big character choice, I felt she might've been doing something Annaleigh normally does because she didn't know what else to do). Does that make sense? Basically, she definitely wasn't settled into the role which is no surprise but she still gave a very adequate and enjoyable performance. Maybe it's just because I have a soft spot for understudies, standbys, and swings.

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