The staging has definitely been changed -- he's not running around the stage any more, the car wash has been deleted, and so on. He's not just sitting in a chair, but he does that a good deal. Jokes were made about Bob Wankel allowing them an additional 15 minutes of rehearsal.
There's even an added poignancy to Hedwig's exit, somehow -- not to spoil or anything, but you'll see what I mean.
Bottom line: it's John Cameron Mitchell performing Hedwig. It must be seen. Period.
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I'm going to the late show on Saturday and actually kind of can't wait to see this version. On Instagram, Stephen Trask referred to last night as "the first of the Kneecap Shows"--I love it! Just hoping his knee's able to hold out. I had knee surgery as the result of a dance injury when I was in high school and had to wear a leg brace for a couple months. Not fun at all.
I'm glad they made accommodations for his injury but I hope he's still taking it easy and not aggravating the problem too much. I assume he's still in the heels and those can be murder with an injury even if you're not walking that much.
Just saw him walking with a large brace and crutches. I could be wrong but he definitely didn't look comfortable. The fact that he was able to get on stage and perform at all with such an injury is admirable!
While I haven't seen JCM, I've seen all the other 'Wigs and MCH is by far my favorite. What a great guy to step back in!
And to be reasonable, it is simply not fair for people who are not die-hards to have them pay extreme ticket prices to a show that is only being performed half to its physical potential. It is absolutely the best thing to do.
I'm going to the late show on Saturday and actually kind of can't wait to see this version. On Instagram, Stephen Trask referred to last night as "the first of the Kneecap Shows"--I love it.
I can't wrap my brain around the thought process that leads to conclusions like this. But it's been this way since the dawn of BWW when somebody would post something like:
Elphaba's understudy was on and she dropped her broom and Glinda lost it and when she laughed snot shot out of her left nostril!
and it would be followed by several "Oh, I wish I had seen that!" posts.
I really hope exchanges are possible- I was supposed to see the cancelled show, and of course I bought a ticket for the last show Michael C. Hall is covering. Not that he isn't great in the part, but I splurged on a full price seat specifically to see JCM.
I am a firm believer in serendipity- all the random pieces coming together in one wonderful moment, when suddenly you see what their purpose was all along.
I hate to ask a question that I'm sure has been asked millions of times - but I can't seem to find a straight answer. How is center mezzanine, row F for Hedwig?
"I can't wrap my brain around the thought process that leads to conclusions like this."
If my comment came across as in any way being happy that John is injured, that is not AT ALL how I meant it. I feel terrible for him and of course wish this had never happened, but I have to believe (hope?) that if it were a serious medical strain for him to do this week's shows, they would have canceled them. I've seen the show six times, including twice with John pre-injury, and part of me is looking forward to seeing a more stripped-down version of it. I'm also just curious to see the revised staging, as I know the original staging quite well at this point.
Glad they're bringing in Michael to fill in next week. Good decision.
Alix, everybody's free to feel whatever they want to feel but there is no way to remove a sense of glee that comes through because you are SO FAMILIAR with the material that you have seen SO MANY TIMES that you're glad for the opportunity to see it changed. Oh, lucky you. Now you can have bragging rights about seeing the hardest to see performances!!!!
Again, the problem is obviously mine because you're not the only one to post things like this. It just reminds me of the actors' edict that says, "Some people here are seeing this for the very first time tonight" in order to keep things fresh and properly respectful of the audience and the material.
It's JUST MY OPINION, but what you write comes through a bit more privileged and obsessive than "good for them for making the most of a bad situation."