Memphis - Montego Glover

[yankeefan7]

Posted: 8/5/12 at 10:14am

Memphis closes today and I believe Montego Glover has been in it beginning to end. I was just wondering how many other lead actresses have done this in a show that has lasted almost 3 yrs. (believe it is 1166 performances).

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 8/5/12 at 11:02am

^plus a number of supporting cast members have been in Memphis from the beginning.

[yankeefan7]

Posted: 8/5/12 at 11:08am

Wow, did not know that. I bet Chad Kimball might have done it also if not for health issues.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 8/5/12 at 12:08pm

She's been with it even longer than that, if you count workshops and everything. She's been playing Felicia basically since day one, hasn't she? Her performance was so great. I'll miss seeing it.

[yankeefan7]

Posted: 8/5/12 at 1:08pm

You are right, believe she has done it since day one. I saw the show in summer of 2011 and she was fantastic. Bet it will be strange for her not doing that role after all these years although she may be ready for something different.

[jv92]

Posted: 8/5/12 at 1:12pm

Not actresses, but Jerry Orbach stayed with CHICAGO the entire run (900 some odd performances), and he sure as hell had a better score to sing every night than Glover.

And of course, The Merm did GYPSY the entire run (702 performances, I think?) plus the national tour, and SHE sure as hell...well...she played Madame Rose.

[yankeefan7]

Posted: 8/5/12 at 1:16pm

JV92 - Thanks for the information, that is awesome. Says something about both of those performers that they could play the same role so long and still give great performances.

[jv92]

Posted: 8/5/12 at 1:25pm

Jerry Orbach, yes. Merman, not so much. When she was told Sinatra or Judy Garland was sitting out front, she was great. When they weren't, she walked through it. At least, that's what I've been told.

Of course, Merman walking through a performance of the phone book would be a thrill compared to MEMPHIS.

[yankeefan7]

Posted: 8/5/12 at 1:28pm

JV92 - then I would have told Merman somebody important was out there every night - LOL. I actually enjoyed Memphis but then again people have different tastes.

Updated On: 8/5/12 at 01:28 PM

[mikem]

Posted: 8/5/12 at 1:28pm

As far as I can remember, the only Tony-nominated lead in recent times who has stayed with a show longer is Gavin Lee in Mary Poppins, who has done either the Broadway or tour version for almost 6 years now.

A few featured Tony-nominated leads have stuck with their show recently, including Carole Shelley in Billy Elliot (and Greg Jbara for the most part).

[ClapYo'Hands]

Posted: 8/5/12 at 1:35pm

What has her attendance been like?

[yankeefan7]

Posted: 8/5/12 at 1:39pm

Clap Yo Hands - not sure but assume pretty good.
Updated On: 8/5/12 at 01:39 PM

[Becky]

Posted: 8/5/12 at 1:53pm

When I saw Dan'yelle do the role two weeks ago, the cast came out of the stage door remarking how Montego never misses (in response to kids saying to them that they hadn't seen the show without her) - and the cast was surprised that day. So I think her attendance was pretty good.

Updated On: 8/5/12 at 01:53 PM

[bwaylvsong]

Posted: 8/5/12 at 2:45pm

Yes, I used to work at Memphis and Montego very very rarely missed performances except for forced vacations.

[tphiliboy152]

Posted: 8/6/12 at 12:43pm

mikem: I think he's been with Poppins a little bit longer than that. He also opened the show in London!