Brave Sir Robin2 said: "There are plenty of names they could have tried to get to replace Audra, and maybe they could tailor some of the keys of songs to give more options. I think someone like Samira Wiley, Kerry Washington (although I believe she is pregnant as well, or was recently?), Shanice Williams (if she could play older) or Janelle Monae could have fit the role and been a big draw. (No doubt Audra's replacement was talented, but I didn't know if she was a Brodway debut or a star replacement.)
That being said, it's cool to see that Audra has gone from being a Broadway darling to a box office draw. Same could be said for Kelli O'Hara.
Other than Kerry Washington, I have never heard of any of the people you propose, so I don't think they will solve the problem.
I am shocked like everyone else...part of me wonders whether it would have been better to close the show for the few months she was out, so people would know she was really coming back, unless she wasn't and it just wasn't announced. I actually think what I just typed is a dumb idea (unless there is some insurance angle possible) for a number of reasons, but closing a show that recently won the NY Drama Critics Award as best musical of the season, and is currently selling out, is to me catastrophic; but, if the advance was that bad after she left, it may have been a necessity. But, what does it say about Broadway?
Is this a variation on The Producers, that if you have too big a star in the beginning, the show may never recover from their absence. (14 years ago, who ever thought that Mamma Mia would run twice as long as The Producers?). At least, The Producers made money for its investors...this will be disaster For the Shuffle Along investors.
There is no other Audra, but couldn't they have figured out something? Perhaps, a marketing approach that emphasized the reviews, the others stars' credentials, and came up with a better name to replace her than the one they selected -- there must be someone.
Paradox: I have to admit that I would have waited to see the show in October, had I not already seen it. Why see someone you never heard of if you could see the star who opened the show. Yet, if I thought that Audra was not returning, I would have gone ahead and purchased the ticket for a sooner date. I am sure that a lot of people were thinking the same thing...wait til she gets back. While this would have not spoken well for a long run engagement, it might have provided the opportunity to return the investment.
final thought: I am wondering whether there is an insurance policy for Audra's inability to perform, and if closing the show provides the opportunity to make a claim on the policy?
This is is just tragic...it is not like American Psycho, Bright Star, Tuck or anything else. This looked to be a solid hit...and then the star got pregnant. Where is Peggy Sawyer?
Updated On: 6/23/16 at 11:20 PM
