Shows that depend on certain performers

What current shows are there in NY, that can only survive with certain performers. I mean new shows with no major replacements yet, because if there's replacements, that shows it does not rely on any performers. "Gypsy" relies on Patti LuPone to an EXTREME amount, and "Legally Blonde" relies on Laura Bell Bundy a lot. What else is there? Can "Heights" go on without Lin Manuel-Miranda. I don't even want to think about "Passing Strange" without Stew.

R U kidding me?

Legally Blonde can survive without LBB. Passing Strange and Stew?
I would say DHP with Curtains and if you want to include In The Heights then I would say it needs Mandy Gonzalez.

I know that The Boy from Oz NEEDED Hugh Jackman.

SMiller

Legally Blonde in no way depends on Laura Bell Bundy because no one outside of the Broadway community has heard of her. It depends on its name. If someone came in from across the country, they couldn't care less whether Laura Bell Bundy is in the show. Come on.

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Although it not still open, GREY GARDENS depended on Ebersole.

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I agree. They are coming to see the show for the show. Becky, in my opinion, does a much better job then Laura does.

SMiller

November - > Nathan Lane, it's absolutely brilliant but he is the glue that holds it all together undoubtedly.

Producers started falling apart after Lane and Broderick left.

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There's probably only one show currently playing on Broadway that is a "star vehicle" and dependent on it's lead, and that's Patti LuPone in "Gypsy." I think most everyone else is replaceable right now.

From the past, I think both "The Boy From Oz" and "Grey Gardens" could have survived without their original stars, but their respective producers (for mainly financial reasons) decided not to even try. (Actually, I believe that the "Oz" producers did explore Hugh Jackman replacements for a while before deciding against it.)

How can you see that Legally Blonde relies on LBB?
um. Hsven Burton and Becky Gusliv are incredible Elle understudies, some people even claimed that they like one or both of them better. If anything I would say Orfeh would be the one, but even so she's replaceable eventually.

But every show to some degree depends on having good performers. Like as much as I love Rent, I really hate seeing it w/ tamyra, or really just with a weak cast in general.

I agree about Producers, maybe not so much Broderick (i actually got roger bart as an understudy when i saw it and he was fabulous) but definitely nathan Lane. And seeing as I though ebersole was the ONLY good thing about grey gardens, her as well. THIS run of gypsy relies on patti. I wouldn't say that ITH relies on Lin, but he definitely adds to the performance.

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BrodyFosse123, thanks for clearing up the Jackman/Boy From Oz story for me!

:)

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I don't agree that Young Frankenstein depends on its leads. Other than Megan, the leads are not well known outside of the theater community, and the theater community has already turned thumbs-down on the show. This musical will continue as long as the tourists buy tickets because they recognize "Mel Brooks" and "Young Frankenstein" on the marquee.