There is nothing wrong with wanting to see a specific actor, or even a specific actor being the reason you want to see the show. That's your business, and there's nothing wrong with figuring out how to maximize your chances of getting that outcome. Last weekend, I waited till an hour or two before curtain, and checked in with the box office about my chances of seeing Damon before buying a ticket. I am very sure his understudy is fantastic, it has nothing to do with talent, but Damon is an actor I've been following and I wanted to finally see him live.
Now, at the same time, we have to acknowledge that nothing guarantees an actor will be in the show. I think it's pretty safe to say no one LIKES calling out, considering how competitive broadway is and how much drive and hard work is required. We don't know what's going on behind the scenes. People get sick or injured, vocal damage, family emergency, vacations, etc.
There has to be room to say "Aw man, I really wanted to see X and I won't be, I'm disappointed" or "how can I maximize my chances of seeing X" while still acknowledging that people are going to call out and there is nothing wrong with that.
If, after checking with the box office, I sat down and found out that Damon was out? Yeah, I would have been really disappointed. However, that's not Damon's fault, and I think that's the difference.
And for what it's worth, apparently the actors in Wicked are told specifically that if they do not feel well enough to do the entire show while running on a treadmill, they are to call out. They are not supposed to try and tough it out, they are supposed to call out if they are anything other than 100% so someone who is 100% can go on.
SweetLips22 said: "A professional performer is a one person business. They own and sell a commodity-themselves. An audition is their 'shop window' . If they are 'sold' then a contract of sale with CONDITIONS are agreed upon between buyer and seller.
What goes into that contract is private.
If the merchandise proves to be faulty then the sale is null and void.
A performer protects their own property but if being 'terrified' that your person might be off the night you want to go see them, how about making the SHOW the reason for buying a ticket, the rest an unexpected bonus."
Not a single person here is "terrified" that the person they came to see is out that night. That's hyperbole from someone ironically calling out the original commenters as trolls.
What I and others have said is that when you pay pretty high prices for a ticket to a show and really hope to see the person who has received accolades in their role, and said person isn't present as advertised, that's frustrating. And when you find out many people in the show are out rather frequently, you wonder what's up because it doesn't sound professional.
It's absurd the way some people around here overreact so strongly to comments and then try to paint those comments as hyperbolic and vicious--when that reaction itself is hyperbolic and vicious. It's pretty clear where the real overreaction is occurring.
suicidalmickeymouse said: "Aw, sorry to hear that BillyComet. I was rooting for you!"
Lol me too!
On a related/non related note: does anyone know if there's a time limit when you can use the lottery loser code for the $60? I read you can use it in person at the box office but wondering if I can still use it right before the performance? Going to play my luck with Hadestown StubHub tickets but if that doesn't pan out Oklahoma us my backup since it's not typically at capacity.
Rosette3 said: " On a related/non related note: does anyone know if there's a time limit when you can use the lottery loser code for the $60? I read you can use it in person at the box office but wondering if I can still use it right before the performance? Going to play my luck with Hadestown StubHub tickets but if that doesn't pan out Oklahoma us my backup since it's not typically at capacity."
I used mine at the BO about an hour before curtain and it was fine! Lots of seats available on a friday night.
Damon, Rebecca, Ali and Will all have alternates weekly now. My brother saw this last week and only Will was in. I think it's going to be next to impossible to have all the main cast in for the next 2 months.
Rebecca posted that she'll be in Atlanta until Thanksgiving doing post-production for the Aretha miniseries. Will Brill (Ali Hakem) has been out also filming a show or something. He was on a little break and was able to be in the audience for their 250th performance. I did notice his name is completely off the cast board... I hope he's coming back but Chris Bannow is great
I'm finally seeing the show tonight. I'm disappointed Rebecca will be out as I usually enjoy her performances. Hoping for Damon and Patrick just because of the word of mouth on this board from previews.
FWIW I caught Sasha Hutchings as Laurey this past Saturday and thought she was brilliant. I know it stinks to miss an actor you're looking forward to, but if you get Sasha it'll be a wonderful performance.
Sounds like this show is going to limp along until it closes. There’s nothing worse than when the “bloom is off the rose” of a show and cast start phoning it in and not showing up. I always try to see shows before awards are handed out. After that, it’s typically touch and go.
"The sexual energy between the mother and son really concerns me!"-random woman behind me at Next to Normal
"I want to meet him after and bang him!"-random woman who exposed her breasts at Rock of Ages, referring to James Carpinello
Rebecca posted that she'll be in Atlanta until Thanksgiving doing post-production for the Aretha miniseries.
No, she will be in pre production, come back to NYC for Thanksgiving week, and then will be filming in Atlanta for the mini series December through February. I pmed her about the last week that Oklahoma will be performing and she said she doesn't have a schedule yet but hopes she can make it for the last few performances.