Replacements learning the show

[lightguy06222]

Posted: 6/2/08 at 3:23pm

SOO i was always curious, how does a broadway replacement learn the show??

I am under the impression that all the choreography is taught to them by the dance captain, but who teaches them blocking and such? They dont bring BACK the director every time a new replacement is hired, so who teaches them all the blocking? Also, who calls the "put-in" rehearsals, who else attends them, and who runs the rehearsal???

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 6/2/08 at 3:31pm

They get 2-weeks with the stage manager and any other cast members going in at the same time. They get 1 rehearsal with the entire cast.

The stage manager and/or assistant director are in control of everything.

If it's a high-profile replacement, they may get a day or two with the director, for the purposes of the all-important photo opportunity.
Updated On: 6/2/08 at 03:31 PM

[JulianHookbucks]

Posted: 6/2/08 at 3:39pm

Jennifer Laura Thompson said that she had three weeks for Glinda. First week for Act 1, Second week for act 2, and then third week for full runs of the show, put ins, and final preparations.

I don't know how other shows operate, but I assume it's similar...

Stage Manager, Assistant Director and Dance Captain always teach the show.

[kel62286]

Posted: 6/2/08 at 3:52pm

When I did the Wicked emerald curtain tour, they said that thursday and friday afternoons were dedicated to learning. They were also given about 2 -3 weeks.

[ACL2006]

Posted: 6/2/08 at 5:42pm

Thursday & Friday afternoons are also usually rehearsals for all understudies.

[TooDarnHot]

Posted: 6/2/08 at 6:20pm

It's different for every show, regarding the timing.

for HAIRSPRAY, when there is a replacement coming in for one of the stars, they will have an all-day rehearsal on Monday and a run through of the show the afternoon of their premiere.

Stage Manager and Dance Captain teach everything. If it's a high profile name, the Director will come in for a couple of days.

[Drunk Chita Rivera]

Posted: 6/2/08 at 8:06pm

Lots of the time they are at the show, that is one way to learn when to do what etc.

[lightguy06222]

Posted: 6/2/08 at 8:19pm

of course they go and watch performances, but you cant expect to learn all your blocking by watching the show.

on that note, JoAnne Worley was at Eden Espinosa/Carol Kane's last performance in WICKED. This was the day before she was to step into the role.

[philly03]

Posted: 6/2/08 at 9:07pm

I think the Hoff said he had a month of a "rehersal" period...but his run at Jekyll started two weeks late. He also said that he had to follow around Sebastian Bach a few times, but followed Joseph Mahowlad (the alternate for Sebastian) and Rob Evan (who was re-joining the cast as his alternate) a lot for again, two weeks-ish. And I also think they had Coleen Sexton reherse with him for a few days. But I suppose the Hoff could be a special case!

[into_the_woods2]

Posted: 6/2/08 at 9:18pm

it's crazy to think that sometimes they only have two weeks!!! i guess that is why it is called being a professional

[craftymarley]

Posted: 6/2/08 at 9:23pm

There was a great playbill article maybe a year or so ago that went in depth into preparing a replacement for a broadway show, but for the life of me I can't remember who it followed. Can anyone else remember?

[philly03]

Posted: 6/4/08 at 6:53pm

I'm under the impression that if you're famous/someone who they don't want to see screw up at all, then the director comes back for you.

Sebastian Bach said in an interview when joining Jekyll & HYDE, an article from TheatreMania:

TM: How did your rehearsals go?

BACH: Great. I mean, it's incredible. The director, Robin Philips, he whipped my ass into shape. He taught me everything--six days a week, 11am to 7pm, for four weeks. It was like boot camp. You know, the rules of rock and roll are that there are no rules. After 15 years of rocking, I was looking for discipline, and Robin gave it to me. I feel lucky to be learning so much more about myself as a performer.

Absolutely. 100%. Robin has taught me to be still, to give in to your stillness on stage. I'm, like, six-foot-five and lanky. On stage, when I'm performing, I look like a gazelle. Robin told me that, when I'm controlled and still, I look like a lion. I'm much more dynamic. I love it.

Somewhat interesting!?

[ljay889]

Posted: 6/4/08 at 6:54pm

Ann Reinking and Walter Bobbie have come back several times to work with their replacements in CHICAGO, especially the star ones.
Updated On: 6/4/08 at 06:54 PM

[songanddanceman2]

Posted: 6/4/08 at 7:19pm

I was given a week and a half for Fame in the UK when i first went in and it was the Dance Captain and a few others who ran the show with me

[sleepyguy1717]

Posted: 6/5/08 at 4:36pm

How does a replacement learn the music? Not like the lyrics, but the harmonies, rhythms, etc.

[puppetman2]

Posted: 6/5/08 at 5:11pm

I remember an article in a not defunct theater magazine about Gary Morris replacing Colm Wilnenson in Les Miz. He said he had one week of rehearsal with a stage manager and never was on the stage until his opening performance. He was not taught how to navagate on the turntables at all.

[musicalman2]

Posted: 6/5/08 at 5:47pm

I believe that a friend of mine in Spring Awakening said Michael Mayer works with/rehearses all replacements.