The Day Before Opening Night

[Kevo711]

Posted: 1/17/06 at 2:15pm

I remember reading that La Chanze took the day before opening night of The Color Purple off and I was wondering if this was common so that the performers could rest up for the big day? I ask this because tickets are available for The Pajama Game the day I am going to NYC, which is the day before its opening. This is a Wednesday, meaning there is a matinee and a night show. 90% of the reason I want to see this show is because of the cast, Kelli and Harry, and I do not want to miss their performances. Would you advise me to buy tickets for the night show or the matinee. I know performers miss matinees more often, but I figured in this case they might miss the night show because of how late it gets over with...?

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 1/17/06 at 2:18pm

The day before opening is the one day you're not supposed to take off....that's when the critics come. LaChanze was sick right before the show opened. So, no, I doubt Kelli or Harry will be out :).

[popcultureboy]

Posted: 1/17/06 at 2:18pm

No it's very rare. LaChanze was still recovering from a serious illness that dogged her throughout her Dessa Rose run and had missed some earlier previews too. She took the last preview off to ensure she would be able to perform opening night.

Posted: 1/17/06 at 2:19pm

I don't know if that's the case. I do know that La Chanze had been under the weather, so it's possible her absence was for health reasons. I would think most would want to 'ramp up' leading to opening night, so they would be on that week.

[Kevo711]

Posted: 1/17/06 at 2:21pm

Thanks so much! I can't wait to see this show and hear Kelli BELT!

[adamgreer]

Posted: 1/17/06 at 2:26pm

The "big night" is the performances leading up to opening night- that's when the critics are there. Opening night is a big party. The audience is going to clap wildly and give you a standing ovation no matter what!

[Kevo711]

Posted: 1/17/06 at 2:43pm

I'm seeing Sweeney the same day. Should I do a matinee of The Pajama Game and a night show of Sweeney Todd, or the other way around.

[myManCape]

Posted: 1/17/06 at 3:35pm

Kelli O’Hara has always has EXCLLENT attendance.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 1/17/06 at 3:37pm

LaChanze was apparently sick, and that's why she missed the final preview.

The final previews are often known as press nights -- it varies as to whether a show has one night for the critics, or if they have a choice of performances, but that's done so that reviews can come out as soon as the show opens.

[lovinlife]

Posted: 1/17/06 at 3:53pm

No guarentees, but if the performer is smart, and would like a good reputation, they will be there. LaChanze was ill.

[bigrab1018]

Posted: 1/17/06 at 4:02pm

If you really wanna see the Pajama Game cast, I'd recommend seeing it @ night and Sweeney during the day. It is obvious that performers miss more matinees than evening shows.