Posted: 2/21/16 at 4:01pm
I haven't seen the show but I'm wondering if someone can provide some context for just how taxing this role is. What other big leads (male or female) is it comparable to?
Posted: 2/21/16 at 4:49pm
Good ol' Webber seems unable to write a show that doesn't have such a demanding vehicle necessitating an alternate. I'm beginning to think it's some kind of illness. 
All joking aside, I hope the SoR team is able to resolve this problem- but in the meantime, at least Alex's understudy is getting some good buzz from it!
Posted: 2/21/16 at 6:55pm
LizzieCurry said: "Maybe he'll go the JLY route and have an alternate after he wins the Tony.
"
If he does get nominated, he should send an alternate to Radio City.
Posted: 2/21/16 at 8:00pm
In terms of how taxing, It's just a high energy performance. He has to always be "on" and I'm sure acting with children provides some stress as well. The score is a typical rock score, with some higher belter parts, but I mean if people can sing Rock of Ages or Hunchback 8 times a week, I don't see why this would be that difficult. Especially after having sung it for so long, I think your voice would figure out how to handle it.
Posted: 2/21/16 at 8:14pm
NJ_BroadwayGirl said: "I haven't seen the show but I'm wondering if someone can provide some context for just how taxing this role is. What other big leads (male or female) is it comparable to?
"
I would say it's like being the Genie in Aladdin, but having to do Friend Like Me 11 times a night. :)
Updated On: 2/21/16 at 08:14 PM
Posted: 2/21/16 at 8:58pm
Lin Manuel Miranda has missed many performances, has an alternate and no one says a thing. Perhaps Alex should have done the same. I think all of us here are harder on certain people and give others a pass. Not sure why, but it's true.
Posted: 2/21/16 at 9:20pm
I haven't seen Hamilton, so I can't compare. But Lin is not quite the singer/actor that Alex is.
Posted: 2/21/16 at 9:21pm
RippedMan said: "In terms of how taxing, It's just a high energy performance. He has to always be "on" and I'm sure acting with children provides some stress as well. The score is a typical rock score, with some higher belter parts, but I mean if people can sing Rock of Ages or Hunchback 8 times a week, I don't see why this would be that difficult. Especially after having sung it for so long, I think your voice would figure out how to handle it.
"
The problem is that people don't know how to sing with good technique. It's a shame most Broadway stars ignore classical training. Thank god for people like Kelli O'Hara and Marin Mazzie
Posted: 2/21/16 at 9:27pm
I've seen Hamilton 2x and found LMM and Lesley Odom Jr performances so much better, compelling, and Tony worthy than Alex Brightman! But maybe acting like a juvenile manic teacher is a lot more work, as people make it seem on this thread.
Also LMM is a Tony winner and the creative force behind his show. While Alex is in his first lead Broadway role and have been offered an alternate (which he did not take I assume). No comparison that LMM can take off from his show and not be criticized. He is also humble and seasoned to get himself an alternate!
Updated On: 2/21/16 at 09:27 PM
Posted: 2/21/16 at 9:31pm
LMM had not missed many performances, at all. He has an alternate which has been advertised since before previews. Those are not "missed" performances. There have been other instances of him being out, but nothing that would be called excessive.
Posted: 2/21/16 at 9:40pm
Does he have an alternate because the role is taxing in Hamilton? Or because he has other things he needs to do?
Posted: 2/21/16 at 9:45pm
Lin has a scheduled alternate and has missed a SMALL handful of shows due to occasional illness (I remember he needed to receive an IV in the fall)—not "many performances." Get 'cho facts straight, hon.
Updated On: 2/21/16 at 09:45 PM
Posted: 2/21/16 at 9:46pm
I think Lin takes a day off because in addition to performing, he has lots of other responsibilities surrounding the show - publicity, special events, appearances. He also has other projects he is working on so he's often flying out of town on his days off.
I don't think it has much to do with the role being taxing. I also imagine they expect Javier to take over for Lin eventually so it's good to get him regular experience in the show.
Posted: 2/21/16 at 9:50pm
I don't think.it matters why. It is what is established. I.just hate when people make allegations that aren't true.
Posted: 2/21/16 at 10:08pm
Ha, the Hamilton producers are a lot more savvy than SoR producers! SoR get your lead male star an alternate (he obviously needs it!!!)
Updated On: 2/21/16 at 10:08 PM
Posted: 2/21/16 at 10:17pm
ebontoyan said: "Ha, the Hamilton producers are a lot more savvy than SoR producers! SoR get your lead male star an alternate (he obviously needs it!!!)
"
Alex rejected the alternate, as has been stated on this thread, though it seems that he needs one! It's perfectly acceptable for him to miss a show or two a week, especially in this role, but better that it's the same two scheduled every week so ticket buyers know who they're seeing!
Posted: 2/21/16 at 10:21pm
Lupone only missed 1 show of Gypsy right? And that's a tough ass show to sing and act. Just to compare.
Posted: 2/21/16 at 10:21pm
^^Yeah I read he rejected the alternate But given his absentee issue (as this thread indicates) it looks like the producers/creative team/whoever higher up need to make that decision. Not the lead star. For the good of their show!
Updated On: 2/21/16 at 10:21 PM
Posted: 2/21/16 at 10:42pm
Just curious....not trying to make a judgement about this at all. Do actors have the right to "refuse" an alternate? Is it part of the contract? Are they in charge of their own characters?
Posted: 2/21/16 at 11:27pm
BroadwayConcierge said: "Lin has a scheduled alternate and has missed a SMALL handful of shows due to occasional illness (I remember he needed to receive an IV in the fall)—not "many performances." Get 'cho facts straight, hon."
Facts? On BWW?!
Posted: 2/21/16 at 11:38pm
RippedMan said: "Lupone only missed 1 show of Gypsy right? And that's a tough ass show to sing and act. Just to compare. "
i believe Lenora Nemetz went on once and Linda Balgord around twice. Still her attendance was stellar.
Posted: 2/21/16 at 11:39pm
KathyNYC2 said: "Just curious....not trying to make a judgement about this at all. Do actors have the right to "refuse" an alternate? Is it part of the contract? Are they in charge of their own characters? "
That is a good question, and I'm looking up the answer now (though someone may already know the answer). I know that in the case of a "star"' (i.e. NPH in Hedwig), the actor has the right to refuse an understudy (which NPH did). According to that rule (#73 in the recently expired contract - the only one I have on me at the moment), they only mention that all contracted roles except for stars and bit parts have to be covered by an understudy. No mention of alternates and right of refusal.
Also, someone mentioned that this is Brightman's first Broadway role. Just to clarify, it is his first leading role, and probably easily his most taxing.
Posted: 2/21/16 at 11:57pm
Foolish and not good business sense of the SoR team if Alex contract is similar to NPH in terms of alternate and other perks. In his first Broadway lead role, Alex is nowhere near NPH clout and talent
On the other hand where are the people looking out for Alex career?! I am sure he wants to be a lead star in more Broadway shows in the future! Why risk injury in his first lead Broadway role (and also get a reputation for having excessive absences and perception of unprofessionalism!)
Updated On: 2/22/16 at 11:57 PM
Posted: 2/22/16 at 12:18am
I haven't seen School of Rock, but I don't know if comparing a young performer in his first starring role to Patti LuPone is exactly fair. Regardless, if I was offered an alternate for a role as taxing as this one seems to be, I would sure as hell take it. Better that than to injure myself or my voice permanently by pushing too hard.
