What happens during preview shows?

[ThunderCat8]

Posted: 3/5/06 at 7:57am

I just bought tickets for Wicked in London. I am seeing it during the previews, what I want to know is: What actually happens during a preview show that is different from a normal night? It is cheaper...why? Will I be seeing the understudies? Will the show stop and start every so often? Will there be parts cut? I am confused as to what a preview actually is! Any light shed will be appreciated!

Thanks!

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 3/5/06 at 9:30am

There is no difference between previews and regular performances. There's a chance the show may start and stop, usually if there's a set malfunction or the safety of the actors becomes endangered.

[Mamie]

Posted: 3/5/06 at 9:33am

They sell preview tickets at a cheaper price in London? BRAVO LONDON!

The preview period for a new show is usually the time when weaknesses in the show are identified and (hopefully) corrected. You see costume and set changes made also. For an established show like Wicked the preview period is probably going to be done more to make sure tech problems are addressed and to give the cast an opportunity to perform their roles before a live audience before being reviewed. I imagine you'll be seeing the same show the people who paid full price will be seeing!

[Act4ever]

Posted: 3/5/06 at 9:58am

During previews a show isn't "frozen" yet. Meaning, there can still be changes made, the actors are still having rehearsals during the day, etc. In your case, in London, the producers might be concerned with how London audiences will react to the show and make changes possibly according to that. Now that can't be done without playing it for a London house. For example, the only show I've seen in previews was Little Women and it was great when I saw it, but, in listening to the CD, I can tell that some of the music was changed slightly, some parts left out, etc. But for Wicked, I doubt things like that would change. Sorry for the rambeling, but I hope this helped!

[PottstownTeacher]

Posted: 3/5/06 at 10:40am

Usually, a show previews for several weeks (or several months, depending) to, like everyone has said, make changes, tighten up the show, get reactions, see what works, blah, blah. To my knowledge, about a week before the official opening, the show is "frozen", meaning no more changes are made, and the critics begin coming, so as to make Opening Night a less stressful experience. I have seen shows in previews quite often. One of the BIGGEST changes I ever saw was TRIUMPH OF LOVE. When I saw the show early previews, Betty Buckley had 2 solos. Apparently, by the time the show opened, she only had one. On the cast recording (notice, it's not a soundtrack ... hahaha) the 2nd song is included as a bonus track. But, like I said, during previews, that song was part of the show. My friend Alyssa had a nice-sized role during previews of DANCE OF THE VAMPIRES ... not so much once the show opened. (Which, by the way, that show played more previews than actual performances!)

[Buscee]

Posted: 3/5/06 at 10:48am

I wouldnt worry about previews of wicked. The only thing that may be different are set malfunctions. When a show is being transfered from Broadway; it usually goes intact. In other words there will be no cuts, etc to the actual show. What you see in previews is what you will see on opening night. Changes occur in shows that are being done for the first time. Such as an original work, or a new revival.

[BrianWilsonFan]

Posted: 3/5/06 at 11:02am

Hi, i booked my preview tickets today also for the first Monday, the Saturdays and some Wednesdays for the first month already being booked up...

These preview tickets were ten pounds cheaper than they would be normally but it's not unusual for previews to go for half price in London the formula for this show has already been well established...

[ThunderCat8]

Posted: 3/5/06 at 11:41am

Excellent, thanks guys! I am seeing Wicked on Monday 18th, I am so excited! I will also be getting Avenue Q tickets when they start booking next week, fingers crossed for half price previews! Us students need some entertainment for cheap!