115 posts
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Post by Peach on Mar 9, 2016 9:33:54 GMT
I saw David O'Reilly and Oliver Ormson as Elder Cunningham and Elder Price and thought they were pretty perfect, but can't compare them to anyone as I can't afford a repeat visit to Mormon!
Abram Rooney was also a great alternate Christopher in Curious but I wish I'd got to see Graham Butler in the part as I really like him.
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9 posts
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Post by Daca on Mar 9, 2016 9:55:54 GMT
A few years ago we got two amazing understudies at Les Mis in one fell swoop. Jeff Nicholson as Javert and Dave Thaxton as Enjolras Was great to see Dave become principal Enjolras and eventually Javert. Always thought it a huge loss that Jeff was never principal Javert.
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2,041 posts
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Post by 49thand8th on Mar 9, 2016 15:40:52 GMT
I saw Madalena Alberto and Paul Basleigh both on as Luisa and Zorro back in 2009. I didn't know what I was missing, since I saw the show on a whim -- but when I got the cast recording, I realized I wasn't missing much!
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833 posts
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Post by Steffi on Mar 9, 2016 16:00:21 GMT
I saw Madalena Alberto and Paul Basleigh both on as Luisa and Zorro back in 2009. I didn't know what I was missing, since I saw the show on a whim -- but when I got the cast recording, I realized I wasn't missing much! Whilst I agree Matt Rawle doesn't sound great on the cast recording (I find his voice very "marmite" in general) I have to say I much prefered him to Paul in the show. He had an incredible stage presence and I couldn't take my eyes off him. Never saw Madalena as Luisa so can't compare but Emma Williams was wonderful in my opinion. :-) Ben Wheeler as Tommy in Jersey Boys is another one of my favourite understudies. Jon Boydon is good in the role (and a stronger singer without a doubt) but Ben brings so many little nuances to the character. And even though he has been in the show since it opened in the West End I've never seen him just go through the motion.
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448 posts
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Post by ShoesForRent on Mar 9, 2016 18:29:14 GMT
I haven't seen Emma Hatton, but Laura Emmitt was WONDERFUL in Dec when i saw Wicked last.
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243 posts
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Post by musicallady on Mar 9, 2016 22:43:10 GMT
Very first time I saw Phantom Sarah Brightman and Claire Moore were both off so we had Maria Kesselman as Christine. She was amazing. Seen lots of Christine's but none can compare to her.
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525 posts
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Post by Hamilton Addict on Mar 11, 2016 17:54:45 GMT
Derek Hagen is phenomenal as Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! Words can't describe how good he was! Better than both Douglas Hodge and Alex Jennings.
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642 posts
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Post by Stasia on Mar 15, 2016 10:40:11 GMT
My personal stars are Rachel John and Jon Robyns in Memphis. They made so so much more nuanced and deep characters than Beberly and Killian! I saw them separately a few times but when I finally got them paired, my heart went BOOM(c) and it was one of the best days in London theatres for me. I personally preferred Tim Newman and Keisha Atwell to Killian and Beverly as well. The other outstanding cover for me is Jack Beale who was so good comparing to Ronan Keating in Once (he could sing the right notes! he was not so terribly overacting) I made it a double show just to remember how a proper Once story should look like. THan - Claire Parrish instead of Tamsin Carroll. Tamsin's acting, looks and voice ruined half of the musical for me, so when I finally managed to catch a show with her being off, it was the best one I saw! THe most recent one is Paul Ayres as Charlie Price in Kinky Boots. Finally I got Charlie's story told the way I liked to see it! And he has great chemistry with both Lolas (I was at that show where they had to swich the actors during the interval). Callum Francis for me was also an outstandinding understudy, even thoug I haven't seem him in the first act. But I could say, Matt Henry is also esceptional, so this is the line where I liked them both. But I am now wishing Killian had his vacations at the very same time as me to see Paul more!
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1,638 posts
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Post by fiyero on Mar 20, 2016 11:34:37 GMT
Picking up on a couple already posted: Alice Fearn as Princess Fiona in Shrek - I totally agree, I was a bit biased having booked specifically not to see Amanda Holden but was so glad I did (backed up by seeing Amanda later in the run). Natalie Andreou as Elphaba in Wicked - Another one I booked specifically to see after seeing her in Rock of Ages. I haven't seen Emma perform (except on the ITV Olivier stage) so can't really compare but Natalie deserves the role full time!
Also I much preferred the understudy Hope in Urinetown (I think it was Madeleine Harland). It probably helps that I saw her first but it really felt like she got the loopy side better for me and gave her all.
Another happy moment was seeing a female ensemble member (Katy Hanna) as Gavroche in Les Miserables. It was something I'd only ever heard of and was quite a surprise as I didn't see any signs and the people near me were talking loudly over the announcement (and when I got my programme I specifically asked if anyone was out and was told no so I guess it was a last minute swap!).
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83 posts
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Post by brenth on Mar 20, 2016 14:06:27 GMT
Hundreds of years ago I saw Elaine Paige's understudy in Piaf. I think she was called Lorraine Brunning/Branning and she was amazing! Still remember her to this day.
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193 posts
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Post by Rozzi Rainbow on Mar 20, 2016 16:43:35 GMT
I often find I prefer understudies. Some recent preferences: Ross Hunter in We Will Rock You Matt Brinkler as Joseph (tour last year) Pinky's u/s in Bend it like Beckham (sorry, don't know her name)
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107 posts
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Post by littleflyer on Mar 25, 2016 18:44:22 GMT
Lucy Jane Adcock as Cassie Lauren Varnham as Scara
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22 posts
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Post by tommygnosis on Mar 25, 2016 18:50:53 GMT
Callum Francis as Lola Michael Vinsen as 2nd Cover Charlie
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724 posts
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Post by basdfg on Apr 23, 2016 19:20:32 GMT
Aofie Mullholand was very good as Maria. Tanya Mattalang was superb as Kim. On the topic of understudies when I went to see the sound of Music the Baroness was off( as was Margret Peace in the Sound of Music) and her understudy was on. 4 years later the understudy then was the main Aunt Em in the wizard of Oz but was then off( and replaced by the second understudy) when I went to that.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 23, 2016 22:08:08 GMT
I haven't really had the main star/cast off ill (touch wood) except for Eva and Chris in Miss Saigon. Tanya Manalang was so amazing though, you wouldn't of realised she was the alternate!
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4,458 posts
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Post by poster J on Apr 24, 2016 5:21:32 GMT
Rachel John as Felicia in Memphis. Beverly Knight may have been the (slightly) better singer, but Rachel's portrayal was so much better. Overall preferred her. Agreed! Though actually I thought Rachel had the edge vocally as well (though Beverley was very good too). Also agree with Lauren Varnham in WWRY, and would add my preference for Sarah Earnshaw to Dianne Pilkington in Wicked. And I haven't seen Glenn Close, but I'd be surprised if I preferred her to Ria Jones - she's absolutely bringing the house down while Ms Close recovers from the flu!
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107 posts
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Post by littleflyer on Apr 25, 2016 12:49:49 GMT
I think I just pity people who won't give understudies a chance, as very often it is them that ends up missing out on an incredible performance. One day those understudies maybe playing the lead and be the very same person you are complaining about missing out on!
Emma Hatton is a prime example, she was U/S Scara for her first year in WWRY, she then gained U/S Meat as well for her second year, moved across to Wicked as stand-by Elphaba and is now the principle in this role.
Never underestimate the powers of an understudy!
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2,041 posts
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Post by 49thand8th on Apr 28, 2016 18:51:48 GMT
I understand the well-meaning sentiment, but the "you never know who's going to become a star" reasoning doesn't always work -- not every understudy will go on to become a star. In fact, most won't. I don't really dig giving understudies a chance for who they may become -- let's appreciate them for who they are as they perform in front of you, in a job that's pretty damn hard.
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107 posts
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Post by littleflyer on Apr 28, 2016 23:56:35 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2016 0:48:52 GMT
I have seen several amazing understudies/standbys/alternates over the years, in fact as a general rule the understudies have been better than the leads.
In no particular order: (The incredible) Shona White - alternate Donna in Mamma Mia Ashley Day - u/s Elder Price in Book of Mormon Rachel John - alternate Felicia in Memphis Jeremy Secomb - emergency cover Phantom in Phantom Vivienne Carlyle - u/s Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers (she later went on to become lead, not surprised) Harriet Thorpe's understudy in Great Britain, whose name I shamefully don't know Adam Pearce - u/s Javert and Thenardier in Les Mis (have seen him as both and he's fantastic) Katy Secombe - u/s Madame Thenardier in Les Mis Charlotte Kennedy - u/s Cosette in Les Mis Jessamy Stoddart - u/s Fantine in Les Mis (she was so good I now have no desire to see the show without her in) Scott Monello - u/s Galileo in We Will Rock You and u/s Dillamond in Wicked Emma Hatton - u/s Meat in We Will Rock You and s/b Elphaba in Wicked Laura Emmitt - u/s Elphaba in Wicked Sophie Linder-Lee - s/b Glinda in Wicked Lucy van Gasse - s/b Glinda in Wicked Carina Gillespie - s/b Glinda in Wicked Helen Woolf - u/s Glinda in Wicked Victoria Farley - u/s Glinda in Wicked David Gale - u/s Fiyero in Wicked Pippa Buxton - u/s Nessa in Wicked Marc McBride - u/s Boq in Wicked Lucyelle Cliffe - u/s Morrible in Wicked Kerry Enright - u/s Morrible in Wicked Sean Kearns - u/s Wizard in Wicked Paul Clarkson - u/s Wizard in Wicked Philip Childs - u/s Wizard in Wicked Russell Walker - u/s Dillamond in Wicked
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2016 6:54:16 GMT
I have seen several amazing understudies/standbys/alternates over the years, in fact as a general rule the understudies have been better than the leads. In no particular order: (The incredible) Shona White - alternate Donna in Mamma Mia Ashley Day - u/s Elder Price in Book of Mormon Rachel John - alternate Felicia in Memphis Jeremy Secomb - emergency cover Phantom in Phantom Vivienne Carlyle - u/s Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers (she later went on to become lead, not surprised) Harriet Thorpe's understudy in Great Britain, whose name I shamefully don't know Adam Bayjou - u/s Javert and Thenardier in Les Mis (have seen him as both and he's fantastic) Katy Secombe - u/s Madame Thenardier in Les Mis Charlotte Kennedy - u/s Cosette in Les Mis Jessamy Stoddart - u/s Fantine in Les Mis (she was so good I now have no desire to see the show without her in) Scott Monello - u/s Galileo in We Will Rock You and u/s Dillamond in Wicked Emma Hatton - u/s Meat in We Will Rock You and s/b Elphaba in Wicked Laura Emmitt - u/s Elphaba in Wicked Sophie Linder-Lee - s/b Glinda in WickedLucy van Gasse - s/b Glinda in WickedCarina Gillespie - s/b Glinda in Wicked
Helen Woolf - u/s Glinda in Wicked Victoria Farley - u/s Glinda in Wicked David Gale - u/s Fiyero in Wicked Pippa Buxton - u/s Nessa in Wicked Marc McBride - u/s Boq in Wicked Lucyelle Cliffe - u/s Morrible in Wicked Kerry Enright - u/s Morrible in Wicked Sean Kearns - u/s Wizard in Wicked Paul Clarkson - u/s Wizard in Wicked Philip Childs - u/s Wizard in Wicked Russell Walker - u/s Dillamond in Wicked Marc McBride... still one of my favourite castings of Wicked ever, I really wish they had given him the role full time! I saw him twice and he was brilliant.
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155 posts
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Post by synchrony on Apr 29, 2016 23:25:01 GMT
I really liked the understudy playing Pennywise instead of Jenna Russell in Urinetown. I didn't buy a programme so apologies for not knowing her name, but I thought she was great. Anyone know?!
In my whole life, I've only ever been disappointed once by an understudy. And that wasn't really their fault, it was just that I had a very clear expectation of the character, as normally played by Philip Quast, whom I love so much.
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968 posts
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Post by TheatreDust on Apr 29, 2016 23:58:25 GMT
I really liked the understudy playing Pennywise instead of Jenna Russell in Urinetown. I didn't buy a programme so apologies for not knowing her name, but I thought she was great. Anyone know?! I think you probably mean Julie Jupp who normally played Mrs Strong/Old Woman. She also took on the role of Pennywise permanently from Jenna Russell for the last few weeks when JR left to do something else, but I can't remember quite what (might have been Di and Viv and Rose, but I could be wrong).
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372 posts
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Post by hitmewithurbethshot on May 4, 2016 17:11:10 GMT
Broadway: Joshua Dela Cruz as u/s Aladdin Melissa O'Neil as u/s Fantine (Les Miserables) Molly Jobe as u/s Katherine (Newsies)
London: Jocasta Almgill as u/s Vanessa Gabriela Garcia as u/s Nina Spin as u/s Benny (In the Heights) Carolina Gregory as u/s Eponine Jade Davies as u/s Cosette Adam Bayjou as alt. Valjean (Les Miserables) Jon Robyns as alt. Huey Rachel John as alt. Felicia (Memphis) Tanya Manalang as alt. Kim Julia Abueva & Sooha Kim as u/s Kim Carolyn Maitland & Natalie Chua as u/s Ellen Niall Sheehy, Dale Evans & Richard Carson as u/s Chris Aaron Lee Lambert as u/s John Christian Rey Marbella as u/s Thuy & alt. Engineer Marsha Songcome as u/s Gigi (Miss Saigon) Emmi Christensson as alt. Christine (Phantom)
Tour: Hannah Grover as alt. Evita
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119 posts
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Post by candela on May 5, 2016 13:00:58 GMT
London:
Kimmi Edwards (U/S Felicia Memphis) Ian Mcintosh (U/S Deco Commitments & u/s Franz Rock of Ages) Tim Driesen (Alt Drew in Rock of Ages) Niall Sheehy (u/s Enjolras & u/s Chris Miss Saigon) Jodie Jacobs (u/s Sheree Rock of Ages)
Tour: Jacqueline Hughes (Standby Elphaba) Maria Coyne (Nessa-Rose)
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1,008 posts
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Post by talkstageytome on May 5, 2016 16:40:47 GMT
London: Kimmi Edwards (U/S Felicia Memphis) Ian Mcintosh (U/S Deco Commitments & u/s Franz Rock of Ages) Tim Driesen (Alt Drew in Rock of Ages) Niall Sheehy (u/s Enjolras & u/s Chris Miss Saigon) Jodie Jacobs (u/s Sheree Rock of Ages) Tour: Jacqueline Hughes (Standby Elphaba) Maria Coyne (Nessa-Rose) Oooh I'm very jealous you got to see Kimmy Edwards in Memphis! I'd have loved to see her but as far as I know she never had any confirmed dates and I'm too far from London to make a last min trip down.
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Post by Deleted on May 5, 2016 16:58:21 GMT
Laura Emmitt as Elphaba. She's a lot better than Emma Hatton. Natalie Andreou was amazing as well, but Laura is my favourite of the 3 Elphaba's I've seen live so far
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51 posts
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Post by easilypleased on May 8, 2016 21:23:43 GMT
Slightly off topic maybe but I often wonder how understudies stay fit and ready to go on at a couple of hours notice. They can learn the lines and the songs but they need to know where to be on the stage and that might need the whole company to rehearse - when would they do that when a show is on 8 times a week? Shows also have a second understudy in case things go really wrong, it must be even worse for them. It's not as if understudies get a regular go, say every Wednesday that is publicised in advance. It sounds like a tough job to me. Has anyone ever seen an understudy screw it up because they were under-rehearsed? Or maybe it's not as tough for experienced pros as I am thinking?
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Post by Deleted on May 8, 2016 21:36:14 GMT
Slightly off topic maybe but I often wonder how understudies stay fit and ready to go on at a couple of hours notice. They can learn the lines and the songs but they need to know where to be on the stage and that might need the whole company to rehearse - when would they do that when a show is on 8 times a week? Shows also have a second understudy in case things go really wrong, it must be even worse for them. It's not as if understudies get a regular go, say every Wednesday that is publicised in advance. It sounds like a tough job to me. Has anyone ever seen an understudy screw it up because they were under-rehearsed? Or maybe it's not as tough for experienced pros as I am thinking? They have regular understudy rehearsals with a mostly complete cast. I've never seen an understudy screw up. They're all such pros that many of them could go on without a single rehearsal if need be. For example, I know Savannah Stevenson once went one for a lead role without having had a single rehearsal for that role because the show had just opened and understudies only get rehearsed after the show has opened
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Post by Deleted on May 8, 2016 21:47:01 GMT
Slightly off topic maybe but I often wonder how understudies stay fit and ready to go on at a couple of hours notice. They can learn the lines and the songs but they need to know where to be on the stage and that might need the whole company to rehearse - when would they do that when a show is on 8 times a week? Shows also have a second understudy in case things go really wrong, it must be even worse for them. It's not as if understudies get a regular go, say every Wednesday that is publicised in advance. It sounds like a tough job to me. Has anyone ever seen an understudy screw it up because they were under-rehearsed? Or maybe it's not as tough for experienced pros as I am thinking? I suggest you watch this
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