Posted: 6/23/15 at 12:28pm
Does anyone know when Sydney Lucas's contract ends with Fun Home? I want to buy tickets to see the show this fall or winter, but I would really like to see her in it.
Posted: 6/23/15 at 1:36pm
Her contracts ends sometime in October, is what I understand.
Posted: 6/23/15 at 1:42pm
Hopefully she extends, although I saw a random Instagram comment the other day from someone who claimed her replacement has already been cast.
Posted: 6/23/15 at 3:29pm
"Hopefully she extends, although I saw a random Instagram comment the other day from someone who claimed her replacement has already been cast."
I would guess, they are concerned with her physical growth and aging out of the role. Perhaps she has a short contract so they can visit that.
Posted: 6/23/15 at 10:06pm
"Her contracts ends sometime in October, is what I understand."
Oh man, I thought I would have a little more time to get back to NYC. I'd love to see her with the OBC one more time.
Last minute flights are outrageous so I guess I should plan something in September. Replacement announcements don't usually give me too much to time to plan something somewhat cheap. Drat.
Posted: 6/23/15 at 10:23pm
I will say that if for what ever reason you don't make it to see Sydney the show will still be great. I am one who was firmly in the Sydney for the Tony group, but I caught her understudy (a former Matilda) tonight on my second trip to the show. Sydney is still giving a fantastic performance, but it was great to see how much of it was the role itself, and how much of it was Sydney. With or without Sydney the role stood on its own as incredible. The producers are experienced, and will know who can handle the role and who cannot at that young of an age. When Sydney does leave, there is sure to be someone great to continue the legacy of Small Allisons hitting it out of the park.
Posted: 6/24/15 at 12:03am
Not sure about Sydney, but the boys playing Alison's brother's contracts are up in October, if that's any indication.
Posted: 6/24/15 at 7:28am
As others have indicated, children are often signed to shorter contracts because their physical growth can cause them to "age out" of roles. It's not surprising that the kids here would be signed to six-month contracts. That said, Sydney Lucas has been involved with this show for several years at this point and during that entire time -- during which she has grown -- the producers have not deemed her to be too tall or mature-looking to play Small Alison. I would say there is probably a good chance of her contract extending, barring some kind of huge growth spurt.
Posted: 6/24/15 at 7:42am
"I will say that if for what ever reason you don't make it to see Sydney the show will still be great. I am one who was firmly in the Sydney for the Tony group, but I caught her understudy (a former Matilda) tonight on my second trip to the show. Sydney is still giving a fantastic performance, but it was great to see how much of it was the role itself, and how much of it was Sydney. With or without Sydney the role stood on its own as incredible. The producers are experienced, and will know who can handle the role and who cannot at that young of an age. When Sydney does leave, there is sure to be someone great to continue the legacy of Small Allisons hitting it out of the park. "
You saw Gabby? I am green with envy. I also loved Sydney but want to see Gabby as well.
Posted: 6/24/15 at 7:54am
You saw Gabby? I am green with envy. I also loved Sydney but want to see Gabby as well."
Yep! She was announced right before (the hypothetical) curtain. At least on my side there were a number of cheers for her at the announcement.
Posted: 6/24/15 at 10:47am
"As others have indicated, children are often signed to shorter contracts because their physical growth can cause them to "age out" of roles. It's not surprising that the kids here would be signed to six-month contracts. That said, Sydney Lucas has been involved with this show for several years at this point and during that entire time -- during which she has grown -- the producers have not deemed her to be too tall or mature-looking to play Small Alison. I would say there is probably a good chance of her contract extending, barring some kind of huge growth spurt."
Gabby is actually older than Sydney...maybe 2 years? but much shorter....so "aging out" would not apply to her exactly. In this group of kids, Sydney is the tallest but Gabby is only taller than the littlest boy.
Posted: 6/24/15 at 11:10am
Gabby is not older than Sydney, you may have her confused with someone else.
Posted: 6/24/15 at 11:11am
A contract end date does not mean an end date for the actor. Contracts are often renewed or extended. Kids are not on short contracts because they're going to be replaced quickly, but to give everyone options.
Posted: 6/24/15 at 11:16am
"A contract end date does not mean an end date for the actor. Contracts are often renewed or extended. Kids are not on short contracts because they're going to be replaced quickly, but to give everyone options. "
No one suggested that child actors are offered shorter contracts because they're going to be replaced quickly. Rather, it is to accommodate certain physical and vocal changes that may occur as the children grow during the course of the run. Six- to nine-month contracts are fairly standard for child actors, and of course the producers have the option to renew if they deem that the performer hasn't aged out of the role.
Posted: 6/24/15 at 11:41am
"Gabby is not older than Sydney, you may have her confused with someone else."
No I am not confusing her with someone else...though my math leaves something to be desired obviously.
Sydney was 11 when she nominated for her Tony and I believe she turns 12 later in the summer.
Gabby was 10 when she started in Matilda in December 2013...and I believe her birthday is in March..so she is 12 already...so maybe only a half year older.
Updated On: 6/24/15 at 11:41 AM
Posted: 6/24/15 at 2:38pm
She is. She turned 12 in March while Sydney is still 11.
Posted: 6/24/15 at 4:56pm
Just saw Gabby at the matinee, and she was excellent. It was so great to finally see this show. I cried at three different points during it. What a special, amazing musical.
Posted: 6/24/15 at 10:08pm
Gabby was on again tonight. She was really great. Glad that I got a chance to see her. Luckily the cancellation line moved a bit tonight and I lucked out.
Posted: 6/25/15 at 1:04am
Saw today's matinee -- my first time since seeing it at the Public when Alexandra Socha was still in the show -- and was very impressed by Gabriela Pizzolo. She reads younger than Lucas to me, so she's a good fit physically for the role as well as being an amazing young actress. Michael Cerveris (how wonderful is he in this show?!!) put his arm around her as they left the stage after (nonexistent) curtain call. Still such a moving, emotional show.
Posted: 6/25/15 at 1:47am
Tonight Gabby got a hand slap from Michael but walked out arm in arm with Beth....and got a lot of applause from her cast mates at curtain calls. She also got a lot of reaction- laughs, applause from the audience throughout the show. She is such a talented and nice girl - I am glad she is getting this experience.
That said, I hope Sydney is feeling better....and it's nothing too serious.
