Simon was not working out, the official press release is on RUGs website. I posted a portion of it below my message.
We had a few reviews that said Simon's singing was not up to par and he was stiff in the role.
I would assume they had to buy-out his contract. They caught it early, with new shows these things happen. He is not a singer from all I read about the man.
As for Connie every review from people who saw the show they loved her.
The biggest complaint I have seen is that it is not like the movie. That is true since it is the stage version, not the film version. :)
Yours,
Carolyn
From today's official press release:
"SIMON SHEPHERD WITHDRAWS FROM “THE SOUND OF MUSIC”
ALEXANDER HANSON TAKES OVER THE ROLE OF ‘CAPTAIN VON TRAPP’
Following the first two previews of “THE SOUND OF MUSIC” at the London Palladium on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 November, Simon Shepherd, director Jeremy Sams and producers Andrew Lloyd Webber and David Ian agreed that his performance as ‘Captain Von Trapp’ was not working within the production and therefore he has withdrawn from the show.
The producers are delighted to have secured the services of Alexander Hanson who will take over the role and will start performances as ‘Captain Von Trapp’ as soon as possible later this week. Alexander Hanson played the lead in this year’s Chichester Festival Theatre’s production of “Tonight at 8.30” and his other recent productions include the Royal National Theatre’s “The Villain’s Opera”, “Troilus and Cressida”, “Candide” and “The Merchant of Venice”. His West End musicals include starring roles in “Sunset Boulevard”, “Aspects of Love” and “We Will Rock You”. His television includes playing the regular character ‘Marshall’ in “The Fugitives” and playing ‘Tarquin’ in two series of “Auf Weidersehn Pet”.
Until he starts performances, ‘Captain Von Trapp’ will be played by understudy Christopher Dickins. "
Really Useful Group (RUG) Website
Updated On: 11/6/06 at 12:39 PM
