"I think I'm just frustrated that we - the paying audience - have to do all of the work when something like this happens."
I'm not sure if any of you are aware, but JCM - despite his spectacular depiction of the role - isn't the hottest ticket in town. If you check any future performance date between now and the end of his run, there are plenty of seats available. Sure - it's a slow month or two for Broadway but the grosses are no better now than they were two months ago. This is not the sold-out smash that it was last Spring with NPH in it, unfortunately. And unfortunately for all the die-hard theater/JCM fans who want to see his legendary performance will miss out this week. What else do you expect the producers of the show to do at this time? He is performing one of the most demanding roles on Broadway in a leg brace and crutches for chr*st-sake!!!
I understand the disappointment, especially for the folks who are traveling from out of town who have booked flights, hotels, etc. - but to blame the production is just silly. Would you have rather them cancel an entire week of performances? Or bring back one of the acclaimed performers who smashed this role during his run just a few months ago. I think its fantastic and admirable that MCH agreed to come back to fill in. Accidents happen, and this just so happens to be a very unfortunate one due to timing, etc. This could have happened to any Hedwig, at any time during the run of this production. Knock on wood.
For those who ARE able to make it back, though - check Telecharge. There are plenty of great seats available for the remainder of JCM's run. We should be so lucky that he is returning at all after an injury like that.
I think the production is making a great decision, JMC is doing the best thing for his health, and it's indeed gracious and professional of MCH to take up the mantel for the week. It's just unfortunate for those of us who live out-of-town and cannot exchange tickets. Like I said, that's live theater for you. And MCH is FANTASTIC in the role and worth seeing!
Who is blaming the production though? I just see expressions of frustration and disappointment, and that's ok. I'm sure everyone wishes JCM well and wants him back on his feet...Stephen Trask referred to the next few shows as "pre-op" so it sounds pretty serious.
I saw his first KNEECAP show and I thought it was great to see this version but I was disappointed that I did not get to see the original staging as I did with NPH and MCH. I am fortunate enough to be able to get to NYC easily for a night and have the funds to see it again so I did book for mid April with hopes to see it with JCM in full staging.
Regarding the term Pre OP I think it is a play on the transgender theme and not that JCM is actually having knee surgery because if that is the case there is no way he will be back in full on Feb 24.
Telecharge was very gracious and amenable with exchanges for the coming week. I ended up getting new tickets for (what is currently) his farewell performance.
I wonder if they'll change any of the marquee/Playbill/advertising for the week?
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I was supposed to see JCM at 10PM 2 Saturdays ago; however my husband got sick (again!!!) and we had to cancel. I was polite about it, but my Hedwig obsession made me want to hit a screaming note higher than Lena Hall!!!
We rescheduled for last Saturday, the 10PM show. As you now know, JCM canceled THAT NIGHT due to his injury.
So we had to reschedule AGAIN!!! This time, we booked tickets for the 10PM show on February 21st. I was all ready to get my JCM on until I found out last night that he won't be back until the performance AFTER mine.
I AM SO MAD!! I've booked tickets now for the March 7th show at 10PM, but honestly, I just want to throw in the towel.
That, or divorce my husband!!!! I'm so upset now. I just want to see JCM!!
"See that poster on the wall? Rocky Marciano." - Andy Karl as Rocky in 'ROCKY'
I was also one of the cancelled 10pm show-goers. It happens and they processed the refund quickly. Went back to the BO the next day, quick and painless.
Flying back in early April to give it another shot. Hopefully JCM is in fine shape. As an added bonus, I snagged tickets to LuPone's show at 54.
Well, it seems he's definitely having surgery. I think the production is being quiet about it (hence Trask's earlier deleted tweet) but Amanda Palmer just told everyone via Instagram that her buddy JCM is having surgery on his knee next week. Don't know how he comes back from that in 10 days.
saw this show tonight. he certainly is a trooper. it was my first exposure to the show, and i'm not sure what was improvised or not, but he put on a heck of a show. the improvs with "crate" worked and i didn't mind whatever restaging was done. he never even grimaced, he plowed through with such force, but by the end, he was physically lifting his leg by the brace to move it around. must've hurt like hell. in any case, i am so grateful i saw him.
I was there tonight, and JCM was marvelous, despite his injury (by an unknown assailant wearing a Billy Porter mask at the Chelsea Dress Barn). Yitzhak changed the introduction: "Despite her enemies, I present Hedwig!"
I won the 7pm lottery - only about 20 people or so even showed up for the lottery! Our tickets were N9 and N11, good orchestra seats. Sugar Daddy suffered the most as far as the choreography - Hedwig carwashes Yitzhak onstage, and then drags audience members onstage after. JCM adlibbed all over the place - "You're seeing the original cast...it's like Young Frankenstein, isn't it?"
And Mac, I'm with you, hopefully seeing MCH next week! I'm gonna try the lottery next Saturday. If I can catch him , then I'll only have missed Rannells.
How does JCM handle going into the hood of the car for the costume change? I think that's where he hurt his knee originally. What a trooper! I do hope the surgery goes well. If it's for something relatively minor, like torn cartilage, he might be good to go in a week. But if it's anything more, like a torn ACL (I hope not!), he'll be down for the count for much longer than that. Maybe I shouldn't say this under the circumstances, but break a leg, MCH! Thanks for coming to the rescue! I'll be there to cheer you on!