PQ Standbys/Understudies

[musicman_17082]

Posted: 3/29/07 at 12:43am

FYI: THIS IS NOT A BASH-PIRATEQUEEN HATE THREAD... IF YOU'D LIKE TO DO THAT I BELIEVE A FAIRLY GOOD AMOUNT OF THOSE THREADS HAVE BEEN PROVIDED FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE.

I just bought tickets to the Pirate Queen. Contrary to many reviews, I am SO incredibly excited to go and can't wait.

However, one MAJOR reason I'm going (and perhaps what I am most excited about)is to see Stephanie J. Block. I am just wondering how many times she's had a standby go on for her? What are the chances of me not getting to see her on a Thursday night in May?

I'm hoping that, since it is so new, she will rarely miss a show. I would just feel SO awful if I got there and saw that understudy slip in the playbill... regardless of how good the other Grace may be.

How many times, on average, does a lead in a brand new Broadway production miss a show? And, just curious, anyone know anything about the Grace standby?

Thx 4 ur thoughts!

[Becoz_i_knew_you21]

Posted: 3/29/07 at 1:07am

"How many times, on average, does a lead in a brand new Broadway production miss a show?"

In my opinion she shouldn't miss for a while.

[StephanietheStar]

Posted: 3/29/07 at 1:08am

I haven't had the pleasure of seeing her, but Chicago's own Kathy Voytko is Grania's standby and I know as a performer she is WONDERFUL and I've heard she is excellent in the role.


You most likely will be seeing Steph, I think she has pretty good attendance as long as she doesn't get injured (knock on wood) but I wouldn't be too disappointed if you see "at this performance" slip!


and the show is awesome...no matter what anyone else says :)

[StephanietheStar]

Posted: 3/29/07 at 1:09am

Becoz-I think sometimes they just let their u/s have a chance at performing...like if their family is coming to see them.

[musicman_17082]

Posted: 3/29/07 at 1:17am

hmm... so i guess I'll just pray that her understudy has no family in town that night!!!

and stephaniethestar, glad u liked the show... all the more reason for me to anticipate this show!

***

1 more question: is there a certain day of the week that an actor/actress is more likely to miss a show?

[stephen3]

Posted: 3/29/07 at 1:30am

Block was out of the show this past Tuesday-Kathy did a great job.
Steph has the flu, but is recovering quickly.

[StephanietheStar]

Posted: 3/29/07 at 1:35am

generally I'd say Wednesday matinees (a lot of stars aren't contracted to do them at all...so they really only do them if they want to)...

honestly, tuesday-thursday in general is the the time for u/s usually...but Stephanie doesn't miss a lot of shows.

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 3/29/07 at 1:48am

I don't think the star of a show can just decide not to perform if her standby's Grandma is in town just so Granny can see her little darling. And if they are not contracted to perform on matinées you can be darn sure the standby IS. So I don't really think the star has a choice in the matter.

[Popular]

Posted: 3/29/07 at 2:18am

What you're asking is something that even she herself couldn't tell you 100% at this point. All anyone can say for sure is that it's doubtful she'd be out without a really good reason.

You've already got your date to see the show set, and as far as I know she hasn't announced any vacation days, so go just go and enjoy. She'll most likely be there :)


Updated On: 3/29/07 at 02:18 AM

[kelzama]

Posted: 3/29/07 at 8:38am

"Chicago's own Kathy Voytko"

Although Kathy performed frequently in Chicago, she was born & raised in Johnstown, PA.

[bwaydoc]

Posted: 3/29/07 at 10:02am

musicman, I would have been disappointed if Stephanie hadn't been in it when I went to see it as well. She truly gives a great performance and I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

[StephanietheStar]

Posted: 3/29/07 at 10:04am

kelzama----I KNOW. I call her Chicago's own because she is a very well respected actor here...in fact the costume designer at my school has worked with her.

Sueleen-Technically they aren't supposed to, but I've heard numerous stories from actors about how when they parents make a trip to see the show they usually make a deal with the lead to miss that show so they can perform. Don't think it doesn't happen...lol cuz it does. They don't say "hey I'm gonna miss the show because so and so's parents are here!" they still call off sick.

Updated On: 3/29/07 at 10:04 AM