Spring Awakening Understudies- Page 2
Spring Awakening Understudies
#26re: Spring Awakening Understudies
Posted: 2/4/07 at 12:37pmThanks, Becoz. The understudies seem to be good from what I've read, but I was just curious.
Trina55
Stand-by Joined: 12/11/05
#27re: Spring Awakening Understudies
Posted: 2/4/07 at 1:44pm
I don't think any of them are in college right now (that is, those that are are taking the year off). A couple are in high school, but that doesn't mean they miss shows. When you're hired to do a show you're there eight times a week unless you're sick or on a scheduled vacation - it's your JOB.
"Jennifer Damiano is only 15. She was pulled for the Wendla understudy during previews because she was to young to do on stage nudity."
That doesn't sound right. I've heard that Lea has a clause in her contract stating that she doesn't have to do the nudity at every performance, so why couldn't Jenn just go on without it? Besides, the nudity was in place long before they got to bway - it's not as if they didn't know it would be included when they cast the understudies.
#28re: Spring Awakening Understudies
Posted: 2/4/07 at 2:46pm
I know that Phoebe went on for Illse yesterday.
And Gerard has played Hanschen.
#30re: Spring Awakening Understudies
Posted: 2/4/07 at 3:03pm
"Jennifer Damiano is only 15. She was pulled for the Wendla understudy during previews because she was to young to do on stage nudity."
That doesn't sound right. I've heard that Lea has a clause in her contract stating that she doesn't have to do the nudity at every performance, so why couldn't Jenn just go on without it? Besides, the nudity was in place long before they got to bway - it's not as if they didn't know it would be included when they cast the understudies."
I didn't word that right. Basically she is to young to simulate sexual activity onstage.
Updated On: 2/4/07 at 03:03 PM
#31re: Spring Awakening Understudies
Posted: 2/4/07 at 3:10pmI saw Gerard as Georg, and he was great.
"People that excel in the arts understand that the journey is the reward...the result an added bonus. Every day I act or train is a blessing and a dream come true. If Broadway beckons so be it. I have a personal definition of success that is unshakable by a possibly unobtainable goal." -HamletWasBipolar
gymdudeva
Broadway Star Joined: 1/29/07
#32re: Spring Awakening Understudies
Posted: 2/4/07 at 4:36pm
I now have tickets for a Thursday and am wondering if this is a day that is full of understudies?
I saw it very recently on a Thursday (1/25), and everyone was there!
As discussed on some other threads, this show does not have many understudies to spare anyway.
#33re: Spring Awakening Understudies
Posted: 2/4/07 at 4:54pmTrina, I don't think Lea Michelle would have any sort of clause stating she didn't have to do the nudity all the time. Why would she be okay with doing it at some performances and not others? That doesn't make much sense.
Tonya Pinkins: Then we had a "Lot's Wife" last June that was my personal favorite. I'm still trying to get them to let me sing it at some performance where we get to sing an excerpt that's gone.
Tony Kushner: You can sing it at my funeral.
Tony Kushner: You can sing it at my funeral.
gymdudeva
Broadway Star Joined: 1/29/07
#34re: Spring Awakening Understudies
Posted: 2/4/07 at 5:06pm
Who understudies Melchior?
I believe that Jonathan B. Wright and Robi Hager currently do, but according to some posts on this board, they are bringing in some more understudies.
#35re: Spring Awakening Understudies
Posted: 2/4/07 at 5:10pmThanks all for your responses. I don't mind seeing understudies, but the group I'm going with all have a thing for Jon Groff, John Gallagher, and Jonathan B. Wright, so. I'm excited, can't wait to see it again.
snl89
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/4/05
#36re: Spring Awakening Understudies
Posted: 2/4/07 at 5:18pmhuh... it would be so wierd seeing Jon Wright as Melchior, simply because he's so Hanschen to me! haha. Its funny, most shows dont usually do that do they? like, have other more principal actors understudy for the main pricipal actors?
I don't need a life that's normal. That's way too far away. But something next to normal would be okay. Something next to normal is what I'd like to try. Close enough to normal to get by.
Lauren_T
Stand-by Joined: 11/28/06
#37re: Spring Awakening Understudies
Posted: 2/4/07 at 5:35pmIt's not very common to have it like that. The fact SA has leads covering other leads is just because that transfered like that from off broadway. They didn't have any other understudies outside the main cast. Plus, I don't know how well Jon B. Wright would do singing Melchior. hmm?
snl89
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/4/05
#38re: Spring Awakening Understudies
Posted: 2/4/07 at 5:38pmI'm sure he'd be great, its just, it'd be so wierd because... he's Hanschen! hehe
I don't need a life that's normal. That's way too far away. But something next to normal would be okay. Something next to normal is what I'd like to try. Close enough to normal to get by.
gman07
Stand-by Joined: 12/22/06
#39re: Spring Awakening Understudies
Posted: 2/4/07 at 6:52pmA friend of mine who knows someone connected with the show told me that Jonathan B Wright has an amazing voice. That his range is unbelievable, and that he sings Hanschen like a rock star because Duncan Sheik wants it that way. I'm sure he would be great in the role and I would love to see it. They would probably mess up his hair and try to change his look. They also said he takes his acting very seriously.
Lauren_T
Stand-by Joined: 11/28/06
#40re: Spring Awakening Understudies
Posted: 2/4/07 at 7:00pmwell i am going by what i hear in spring awakening. Updated On: 2/4/07 at 07:00 PM
teka21
Leading Actor Joined: 12/19/06
#41re: Spring Awakening Understudies
Posted: 2/4/07 at 7:06pmWhy assume Jonny Wright is playing himself? He's an actor with professional training. He's not Hanschen, he's acting. I think he'd be a terrific Melchior, and I'd love to see him put his own spin on the character. Which is not to say I don't love Jonathan Groff in the role...
educator06
Stand-by Joined: 11/21/06
#42re: Spring Awakening Understudies
Posted: 2/4/07 at 7:14pmI agree teka21, I think he would suprise a lot of people.
#43re: Spring Awakening Understudies
Posted: 2/4/07 at 7:41pm
I don't think that clause with Lea is right. Why would she not do the nudity? What would cause her to decide randomly at a performance to not do it?
I believe that Jenn Damiano is too young to do on stage nudity, which is why they replaced her with Krysta.
#44re: Spring Awakening Understudies
Posted: 2/4/07 at 8:31pm
I know that Phoebe went on for Illse yesterday.
Was this for the matinee? I saw the evening show and didn't have any understudy slips. I've had slip slip-ups before, and when you're sitting far back (or in SRO, like I was for my first jaunt to Spring Awakening last night) it's tough to tell. My first visit to Hairspray was all screwy. I had a slip for a Tracy understudy, but Melissa was definitely there, and there were another slip for someone in the ensemble, but when I left, I saw slips on the floor for Amber and Seaweed. Who the hell did I see?!?!? I know Harvey was there! 
But when did New Hampshire become--Such a backward wasteland of seatbelt hating crazies?...I mean, only 40 people actually live there. The others are just visitors who come for the tax-free liquor and three inches of novelty coastline. John Hodgeman on The Daily Show (1-30-07)
Updated On: 2/4/07 at 08:31 PM
snl89
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/4/05
#45re: Spring Awakening Understudies
Posted: 2/4/07 at 8:38pmoh I definitely didn't mean to say it like I didn't think Jon Wright would be able to play any other character but Hanschen, or that in doing that character he's just playing himself- I bet he'd sound AMAZING as melchior, and I wouldn't be surprised if he acted the part really well too! because he seems extremely talented. I just meant that, I personally would have a little bit of a hard time with it because he's kind of been ingraned in my mind as henschen. thats all :) That would happen if ANY of the main actors switched roles I think. Like- it'd be equally wierd if Groff played Moritz or something! lol
I don't need a life that's normal. That's way too far away. But something next to normal would be okay. Something next to normal is what I'd like to try. Close enough to normal to get by.
#47re: Spring Awakening Understudies
Posted: 2/4/07 at 9:09pmJust to clarify, with all of this Jonathan B. Wright/Melchior dialogue, Robert Hager is the primary understudy for the role. That's how I've understood to be.
gymdudeva
Broadway Star Joined: 1/29/07
teka21
Leading Actor Joined: 12/19/06
#49re: Spring Awakening Understudies
Posted: 2/4/07 at 10:28pmI don't think he, Lea Michelle, or John Gallagher have missed a show, On or Off broadway.
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