When your favorite star is out — Page 2

It doesn't matter that some of you don't consider acting on Broadway to be a normal job...whatever that means. Things aren't something else because that's how you feel. It is a job. The actors are paid a salary. They have access to benefits. And they're given access to a certain amount of paid time off, in the form of vacation, sick days, personal time, etc. It's their right to use it, just as I'm sure you use your vacation days at work. If you're disappointed, I'm sorry. But you try performing eight times a week, then having someone on an anonymous message board tell you that you shouldn't take the vacation you're entitled to by your contract. And seriously, who are you to say that it was inappropriate for Lea Salonga to take four days off -- that she should only take two?

Updated On: 5/4/16 at 07:04 AM

I was actually referring to Kensdad, who said: I don't consider being the lead in a Broadway production to be a "normal" job. I think there's an additional responsibility/burden that comes with it. If that means that you run down to Florida for only a day or two instead of four days, then that is part of life in your chosen profession.

And: I think Salonga missed the mark on this one, and if she were going to be out for an extended period (other than illness), then there was a moral responsibility to notify audiences well in advance

This board is full of self-appointed arbiters of what is right and what is wrong. But whatever someone might think, Salonga cannot compel the producers to make an announcement weeks in advance that she will be out. If I recall correctly, she informed her fans several days in advance, via Twitter, that she was going to be out. Twitter is a great resource for artists to do that these days, but really, they are under no obligation. And an anonymous audience member acting like he has the right to tell an actor how many days they should take off leaves a foul taste.

Last season I missed seeing Emma Stone in CABARET who was out the day I went. I was only in town for a week and only bought a HIPTIX, so I didn't really care that much though I was pretty bummed about missing Emma. I didn't really want to see CABARET (a show I really do love) as much as I wanted to see Emma. Funny, I had a strong feeling she'd be out when I bought my ticket. I think a lot of stars who aren't theatre actors can be unreliable.

Different case than yours, I know, but I certainly understand being upset!

I believe Emma was sick the day I saw CABARET. But yeah, that's what I get for going to see "a celebrity" haha.

Thanks for that info, Kensdad! I like to believe that with most film stars they don't want to miss shows. I suspect their bodies just aren't used to the rigors of a theatre schedule, especially in a musical. So those factors could make their attendance unreliable.

PThespian: I agree with you whole-heartedly about time off. Broadway stars have a different job from you & me. I've been to plenty of B'way musicals and other concerts where singers are "gutting it out" because they have a sore throat (or some other malady), and yet they are still on stage because they do not want to disappoint their audiences. Your story about Rosie & Madonna sounds like quintessential Madonna. I would have been bummed, too, if I were in your shoes. I'm sure that Rosie probably felt bad. Madonna, not so much.