Will Chase to Star in NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT During Matthew Broderick's Vacation; 8/21-26 — Page 2

Khakis / Baritone / mc1227,

Putting a temporary replacement's name in Playbill is typically a contractually negotiated term by the agent for the actor coming in as a replacement. But while it's a crafty idea in theory, it's sadly not an effective workaround to avoid having to give refunds in practice.

At the very least, someone who bought a ticket before Dilly and Chase's stints were announced publicly is entitled to a refund. Of that there can be no question. And in point of fact, box offices don't make that distinction (re: when the ticket was purchased). If an above-title star is out, they are required to grant a refund to anyone who demands one (prior to the performance, and assuming it's not a TKTS ticket which has to be refunded at TKTS).

The reality is that Dilly and Chase are functionally still understudies in this case -- high profile, well-paid understudies, to be sure, but still understudies. It's not considered a regular cast change -- case in point: the houseboard, photos and art on the front-of-house continue to bill Matthew and Kelli. As such, if either Matthew or Kelli are out, the regular star absence rules apply and a ticketholder is entitled to a refund, if desired -- regardless of whose name is in the Playbill.

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While I can't say for sure this was 100% the reason to bring in outside "names" instead of existing understudies I was told this WAS the reason Roundabout brought Stephanie J Block in for Sutton's pilot vacation. You get a bit more buzz for those weeks and people who bought tickets after a certain point can NOT get refunds. (You may be correct on this, though, I don't work for a box office and know the ins and outs, specifics, policy to policy)

Isn't there also an Equity rule that if an actually understudy goes on more than 6 shows in a row you have to "promote" them officially, pay them more, etc etc?