autographs

[Robin6868]

Posted: 10/3/15 at 5:16pm

Hi everyone. I want to give my son a special gift for his college graduation. He acted in "Rent" up at Ithaca College last year; I have a book about the show that I'm giving to him as a graduation gift. I would like to have it signed by people who have been in the Broadway show, but I don't know where to begin. I don't get to NYC that often, but I'd make a couple of trips to do this. If only I knew where to go!

[anmiller07]

Posted: 10/3/15 at 5:27pm

When does he graduate? There will be a Broadway convention in New York in January hosted by Anthony Rapp from the original company. Haven't kept up with it too much but you will probably be able to catch some others there as well. 

If you go the Hamilton stage door - Leslie Odom Jr. was a replacement in the original production and Ephraim Sykes starred in the off-Broadway revival. 

Kinky Boots stage door - Kyle Post was a replacement in the original production

Matilda stage door - Natalie V. Beacon was a replacement Joanne

Beautiful stage door - Douglas Lyons was a swing in the non-eq tour. 

I'm sure there are many other alumni currently working, but that's what I came up with off the top of my head. 

Updated On: 10/3/15 at 05:27 PM

[Robin6868]

Posted: 10/3/15 at 5:45pm

Wow, thank you for the fabulous, detailed answer!! My son graduates in May, so I have time to do this convention thing in January. Do you know what the convention is called? (The stage door thing sounds time-consuming, but I'm blown away that you know so much!)

[anmiller07]

Posted: 10/3/15 at 6:13pm

http://www.broadwaycon.com

just took a look at the guest list and saw:

Michael McElroy - many years with original production, including as the final Tom Collins on Broadway and on tour. 

Telly Leung - replacement in original production. 

Tamika Lawrence - Joanne in off-Broadway revival

 

And you could also send the book to those theaters with a letter stating your purpose and ask those specific actors to sign, as long as you also include packaging with prepaid postage to send it back. This however takes longer to get it back to you, and there is always a small chance you won't get it back (this has never happened to me, but it is a possibility)

Updated On: 10/3/15 at 06:13 PM

[Robin6868]

Posted: 10/3/15 at 7:42pm

I was thinking I could send the book, but it's risky, like you say. Plus, it's an oversized tome... it would be expensive! But thanks again for all of your info! I appreciate it so much!!  :)

[gleek4114]

Posted: 10/3/15 at 10:12pm

Another thing you could try is leaving the book with the doorman of each theatre. If you put a note on it (Can this actor sign this), usually you can check back after the show and it's ready. 

[Tag]

Posted: 10/3/15 at 10:22pm

If you can make it to an If/Then tour stop, you could stage door the show and get Idina and Anthony's autographs, two of the original cast.  Might have more meaning than a replacement's autograph.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 10/3/15 at 10:25pm

Anything you try is going to be a bit of time.

[anmiller07]

Posted: 10/3/15 at 10:30pm

dramamama611 said: "Anything you try is going to be a bit of time.

 

"

True. This took me years, but it's one of my most prized possessions. 

[pc1145N2]

Posted: 10/3/15 at 11:22pm

Wow! That IS impressive. Nicely done.

[Robin6868]

Posted: 10/3/15 at 11:51pm

This is the book I have!! I just need one or two signatures... I'm not a Broadway nut like the rest of the people here... of course I admire the actors and I've seen several productions, but I rarely get to NYC now. It costs too much money for me. I just want to give my son a special gift.

[Robin6868]

Posted: 10/3/15 at 11:54pm

I definitely would prefer signatures from one or two of the original cast members... I'm not sure what If/Then is... I take it it's a show? Hahaha! Sorry, but I'm more of a concert-goer than a theatre-goer. I know... bite my tongue! Slap!

[Tag]

Posted: 10/4/15 at 12:05am

Yes it's musical that was on Broadway last season and will be touring the U.S. soon.  Here are the cities and dates.  Idina is only appearing in the first 7 cities though.

Updated On: 10/4/15 at 12:05 AM

[haterobics]

Posted: 10/4/15 at 12:21am

I assumed if he can get into NYC, he wouldn't be near the If/Then dates where they are appearing...

[Robin6868]

Posted: 10/4/15 at 8:37am

Thank you so much! I'm thrilled I found this website. (I happened upon it purely by accident!)   :)  So many helpful people!