Why Headliners Don't Perform

Please fill me in as I'm new to this board about why headliners never perform for free concerts. Are they forbidden to perform by their contracts? For example, Christina Applegate was absent from the "Sweet Charity" cast at last week's Bryant Park concert and last year Shirly Jones was absent from the "42nd St." performance.However, Frenchie Davis did perform songs from "Rent" at the free concert. I am confused!

I'm sure there is nothing in their contracts forbidding them to perform at free concerts. It's most likely the fact that they are doing 8 shows a week and are so gosh darn tired that they want to rest on thier day off.

And welcome!

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Well, both Jennifer Laura Thompson and Idina Menzel performed...For Good..or whatever. There's nothing that restricts performers, I think...just something of their own personal decision.

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It really varies.

Last year all three principals of Phantom of the Opera performed. This year the principal Raoul, alternate Christine, and standby Phantom performed.

Frenchie Davis has been there all three years with Rent which I think is terrific!

Sometimes seeing the understudies is a GOOD thing eg Linda Mugleston as Ruth Sherwood and Susan Derry as Eileen from Wonderful Town last year.

I'm looking forward to seeing the Wicked understudies this year.

Hairspray's first year, Harvey and Marissa were both at the Bryant Park afternoon series...