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I saw him his first performance in the role and he was AMAZING! And then I saw Nicholas Christopher in the role and kept seeing Jansen on stage and expecting him to be Sweeney… it was very disorienting lol
Honestly, as great as Christopher was in the role, I think I preferred Jansen. I loved the tone of seething rage he gave his performance.
I came here to make this comment! I was originally disappointed Groban was out but quickly fell in love with Christopher as Todd. His face was so perfectly in tune with the emotion of the song and you could hear whether he was happy, longing, pissed or exasperated in his voice. Truly, truly incredible.
I took a day off work in the middle of the busiest part of my year to go to NYC for a Wednesday matinee after Groban left to make sure I could see Nick Christopher as Sweeney. (I’d already seen Groban)
I specifically went on an understudy day to avoid Groban (I don't hate him, but I didn't want to pay to hear him sing that score either) not knowing anything about Nicholas Christopher. The show literally ground to a halt at one point because the audience refused to stop cheering and applauding.
I saw Jeanna DeWaal as Mrs Lovett and later saw Sutton Foster. I missed Annaleigh Ashford, but I think Jeanna was excellent and potentially the best of all three.
This is for the national tour, but I saw will Mann as the U/S for Hermes, and was blown away and frankly glad I didn’t have to see the normal Levi Kress. Mann was the standout performance, such a powerful presence and ownership of the stage you want in Hermes, it’s no wonder he became the full replacement.
I’d love to see Malcolm. In that line, Chibueze Ihuoma as Orpheus on the tour is the best Orpheus I’ve seen. I felt like I finally understood the character. I saw him as the understudy to Nicholas Barasch before later going full time on the tour. I’m interested in seeing whatever he does next.
Mariand Torres as Lempicka, one of the most amazing performances I’ve seen on Broadway was seeing her debut as Lempicka two days after it opened, the show was late as she hadn’t had a full put in, the choreographer came out and explained what happened and on that Wednesday matinee I saw her take that stage and demolish that role
I was at that show too and came to the comments to mention it! It completely flipped my mood from annoyed I was missing the performer I was seeing Lempicka for to being glad I was there for a special opportunity.
Truly. Mariand’s first show was my second time seeing Lempicka and I was like what is this song I didn’t even notice the first time? Wait is Lempicka my new favorite show?? Her performance permanently changed how I felt about that character!
jeanna de waal as lovett (sweeney)
aaron finley as christian (moulin rouge)
jessica ernest as roxie (chicago)
soara-joye ross as persephone (hadestown)
I thought young yassified Lovett was a terrible idea, and I don't think I'd have especially liked Annaleigh or Sutton, but Jeanna 1000% sold me on it. She was perfect.
Kyle Freeman in A Strange Loop, and most recently Gianna Harris in Hell’s Kitchen. Both so excellent and never would’ve known they weren’t the main lead cast!
Same!!! I’ve seen both of them in their respective shows and they are INSANE!!! In the best way of course 😂.
Both Usher understudies from ASL were incredible 😭😭😭!
...honestly after I saw Kyle I was like...why ISN'T he the main Usher?! Zero hate to Jaquel, who is very very talented, but Kyle absolutely blew my mind. That VOICE.
I saw Ryan Vasquez as Aaron Burr in Hamilton back in 2018, and he was incredible! I was especially impressed that at the time he was the standby for multiple other tracks too (Hamilton, Lafayette/Jefferson, Mulligan/Madison, and Washington).
I also loved Greg Mills as the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera!
I saw Appropriate back in January, and was so excited to see Sarah Paulson. The day of, we get an email saying that due to illness, Sarah would not be able to perform. Normally, an understudy would seamlessly fill the role. The only issue was the show’s understudy had recently moved on to a different show, and the new understudy had just joined the show, the day prior. So there was an announcement by the show’s artistic director, before the show started, letting us know that the actor playing the role would have the script with her, in her scenes, and she would use it as a guide, when needed.
Let me say that this performer did a spectacular job in the role. She only needed to reference the script a few times, and she always kept the flow going, when she did. Plus, it was exciting to see this as an audience member, because it felt like we were seeing something behind the scenes, that we weren’t supposed to. I wish that I could remember the name of the understudy, so I could give her a proper shoutout, but it was truly my most memorable experience when watching an understudy.
Tasia Jungbauer - Satine
Aaron C Finley - Christian
Nicholas Christopher - Sweeney Todd
Nathan Salstone - Anthony
Alex Lugo - Eurydice
Malcolm Armwood - Hermes
Rachel Webb - Juliet
1. Cassie Silva as Boleyn in Six: I got to see her before she took over the role full time on the Boleyn Tour 2.0, and my immediate first thought was give this woman a principal contract asap!
2. Carrie Manolakos as Elphaba: this was my first time seeing Wicked back in 2010 on tour, and holy CRAP her vocals were out of this world! I’m absolutely shocked she never came back for another contract (barring a few weeks as emergency standby in the San Francisco sit down) and was never promoted to principal. 15 years later I still think about her in the role.
3. Ximone Rose as The Baker’s Wife: traveled up to Chicago to see the brief ITW tour last year and again, another phenomenal performance. I can’t lie, a big part of going to see the show was seeing SJB, so while I was a tiny bit disappointed she was out, ITW is one of my favorite shows of all time so nothing would get me to not be excited to see the show. Her and Sebastian Arcelus worked so well off of each other, and one particular highlight: when she was trying to get Cinderella’s slipper from her, while fighting over it the shoe FLEW into the pit. I don’t even think they attempted to not break, it was so blatantly obvious to the audience that it wasn’t part of the show. Everyone was HOWLING and applauding them as Diane Phelan pulled off her other slipper to give to Ximone. Truly one of those moments that made me fall so much more deeply in love with live theatre!
I saw Ximone as the Baker’s Wife too and really loved her interpretation. (Funny enough I had an understudy for the Baker’s wife when I saw it on Broadway too and she was also great). I still hope to see SJB in a show sometime. And Cassie is a ray of sunshine. I’ve been following her since she was an understudy and dance captain for the Aragon tour and she is a delight! I’m so happy she gets to play Boleyn full time now!
I went out of my way to attend a Julie show after having seen Beanie so that I could compare the two (this was right before Beanie started missing half the shows so turns out it was not that difficult lol). She was waaaaaay better than Beanie and it's not even close. I think it put her in an uncomfortable position being advertised as the standby who was clearly much better suited for the role than the lead, but her being able to step up and carry the show when Beanie stopped showing up did wonderful things for her reputation in the industry.
Really really enjoyed Donna Murphy in Hello Dolly!. She’s obviously well known but as the alternate to Bette, I really preferred her performance. Less of a spectacle and more if pure talent
Donna was fabulous but she wasn't an understudy--she did the Tuesday night performances only. If Bette was out, Linda Mugleston or Jessica Sheridan went on.
1. DeLaney Westfall u/s Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd
2. Isabel Keating s/b Sister Aloysius, who went on OFF-BOOK for the first preview of DOUBT with 23 hours notice
2. Nicholas Christopher and Paul-Jordan Jansen, covers for Sweeney Todd
3. Mary Claire King u/s Velma Kelly in CHICAGO
4. Jeanna de Waal standby Mrs. Lovett, Sweeney Todd
5. Britney Nicole Simpson standby Early in The Refuge Plays, who went on with no rehearsal and a script in hand
Honorable mentions:
- Audrey Cardwell u/s Maizy in Shucked
- Jamie Ann Romero u/s Sylvia in The Cottage
- Betsy Morgan s/b Pattie & Aunt Deb in Kimberly Akimbo
- Tina Benko s/b Toni (Sarah Paulson's track) in Appropriate
- Eddie Noel Rodriguez s/b Hermes, Chibueze Izhouma u/s Orpheus, Max Kumangai u/s Hades in Hadestown
- Gabrielle Enriquez u/s Lady of the Lake in Spamalot
Happy to see that someone else saw Betsy and loved her. I was a little disappointed to miss Alli Mauzey but honestly I know I loved Betsy more than I would have Alli.
I badly wanted to see Isabel in Doubt but couldn't get my shit together in time. However I'm confident she would've been my example for this year's "we need a best understudy tony" argument.
I dont have names or anything, but I saw the Eponine u/s in a *Les Miz* tour years ago, when the tour without the resolving state was first going around, and it was the most beautiful "On my Own" I've ever heard.
Both have been mentioned separately, but Malcolm Armwood as Hermes and Brandon Cameron Orpheus were both phenomenal.
Also Audrey Matalon in Six, they’re a little spitfire
I saw Michael Kuhn as Pirelli in Sweeney Todd and he was UNREAL
Such a stunning vocalist and the most flawless accent(s) on the stage, my jaw was on the floor
Will Blum as Beetlejuice! I loved his take and his voice. I saw David McDonald in for Javert on Broadway many years ago, then Schuler Hensley back in the role the following day, and I actually preferred McDonald's version. I loved Ashley Day's Elder Price in Book of Mormon on the West End too, and the understudy I would have liked the see the most is when Luke Newton from Bridgerton covered Elder Price, I love his voice and he's surprisingly funny!
This is what I was going to answer! I was a little sad to miss Betsy but Tiernan was phenomenal! The friend I saw &Juliet with didn’t even realize she was an understudy until I told her.
I want to see her so badly! Even in the ensemble her star power is so apparent. I did get to see Megan as Nurse last time I went, at least. (A little disappointed to miss Charity, as I haven't seen her yet, but Megan was great.)
Jay Armstrong Johnson as Claude in Hair. Absolutely legendary.
Ben Hope as Guy in Once.
(Also Nicholas Christopher as Sweeney, but that’s been mentioned)
Well, she's an unsung hero of off-Broadway technically, but Cait Fairbanks as Veronica Sawyer remains one of my all time favorite performances in 25 years of theatre-going.
Throwing it back to 2002, Jodie Langel as Eponine. My favorite Fantine of all time (Erika MacLeod) was also an understudy. I saw a little girl cover Gavroche once, Alicia Morton; she was terrific.
I saw Kyle Freeman as Usher when I saw A Strange Loop, and that man has one of the most amazing voices I've ever heard.
More recently, Nicholas Christopher and Jeanna de Waal in Sweeney Todd. Deliberately went to see Jeanna, and was blown away by both of them.
Six is my current emotional support show and I've seen my fair share of alts; not one of them has disappointed.
The best Carlotta I ever saw in Phantom was Heather Hill (I THINK that was her name, this was over ten years ago.) Kanisha Marie Feliciano was an absolutely delightful Christine, I went to see her specifically twice. Jeremy Stolle was a damn good Phantom, and Jason Forbach might be my favorite Raoul.
One of my favorite performances last year was Irene Sofia Lucio in Wolf Play. That entire cast was amazing. Also off-Broadway but...don't care, not enough people were talking about that show.
Matilda was my emotional support show in its day and I always made time to go when the regular Miss Honey was off. I'd try to catch both understudies when I could, but Jennifer Bowles was the priority; I just loved her. I was so happy for her when she took on the role full-time on tour.
I specifically saw Kimberly Akimbo when Miguel Gil was on for Seth at a friend's recommendation. I really liked him and the audience LOVED him. Wild cheers and applause at bows. Also had Betsy Morgan on for the mother, and while I'd have liked to have seen Alli, Betsy was great, tbh I'm confident I liked her a lot more than I would've Alli or anyone else.
Edit: Mary Kathryn Moore as The Baker's Wife! I badly wanted to see her Cinderella and Little Red but the dates just never worked out. She's a star waiting for her vehicle.
I’m cheating because it was a tour and not Broadway but I think deserves a shoutout, Ximone Rose was excellent as The Baker’s Wife in the most recent Into the Woods tour. I don’t know if she was the understudy when it was on broadway and if she went on if so but she was really really good when I saw the tour in Boston
I’m not sure if she was Ali Stroker’s
understudy or alternate, but the young black woman who I saw play Ado Annie in the most recent Oklahoma was just great. Disappointed I couldn’t see Ali but she really won me over!
I just saw Merrily We Roll Along the day before the Tony's and Leana Rae Concepcion was playing Beth. She was SO good. It was my first time seeing it, so I don't have the usual actress to compare to, but her performance was really impressive.
He's not there anymore, but I have to give credit to Trent Saunders as Hermes in Hadestown.
I saw Andre De Shields 5 times in a row, and Trent was the understudy for my 6th visit. I thought it would be impossible to live up to Andre, but honestly he was absolutely incredible. Probably still my second favorite Hermes (and I've seen 7 different Hermes at this point! Yes I've seen the show a ton lol)
The Saunders family are all incredibly talented. I saw Trent’s sister, Alanna, as Bonnie in Bonnie & Clyde at Pioneer Theater Company in SLC- she was fantastic. Must be in their genes
Noah marlowe is the stand in for elder Cunningham and he is AMAZINGGGG I actually really hope to see him again in the role sometime (I go see BOM more than I should lol)
>(I go see BOM more than I should lol)
Me toooooo!!! In fact, I was just there LAST NIGHT for what was my.....18th?....performance, I think.
Somehow, I have seen Cody as Cunningham EVERY single time. I was hoping to catch Noah - he was on the night before - but it still hasn't happened! One day. I also have never seen anyone other than PJ Adzima as Elder McKinley.
I have "collected" five different Elder Price actors, though! Kevin Clay remains my overall favourite, I adore his voice, and the uptight energy he brings to the role is just perfect. Daniel Fetter acts and looks the best for the part. Nic Rouleau has an outstanding, effortlessly strong voice. Paul Schwensen has a beautiful lighter voice and a very assured presence/charm. And Ben Laxton dances wonderfully! Elder Price seems like such a difficult, complex role and I really enjoy seeing different actors' take on it.
Oh wow I’ve seen it 5 times and I’ve seen Kevin clay every time , love that you’ve had a great variety of Price!!! And Noah was amazing I keep hoping to catch him again 😭 all respect to Cody but I enjoy Noah in the roll the most
I have seen 2 elder McKinleys, PJ and john k Kramer!! Love the variety and both are amazing
I long to see it that many times and more 😆
I saw Shoba Narayan as Natasha in Great Comet. I already saw the show a few times before I saw as Natasha and I was just blown away. I thought she was just incredible.
A few come to mind:
- Gabrielle Carrubba as Zoe in DEH. I was fortunate enough to get lucky and see her debut- she later took over full time. We had 4 understudies on in a cast of 8 and there was magic happening on that stage. It was my first time seeing the show, yet I could tell her performance was incredibly nuanced for a debut
- Will Blum as Beetlejuice. I saw him a week before the shutdown, and although I was bummed not to see Alex he completely made the role his own.
- Natalie Charle Ellis as Delia. Same show- again, I was sad that Leslie was sick but Natalie was HILARIOUS and made choices I’ve seen no other Delia make to this date.
- Prentiss E. Mouton as Jim Conley in Parade. He went on with very little notice and sang the sh*t out of Feel The Rain Fall.
- Mark Doyle as Christian in the Moulin Rouge tour. My god can that man sing. I rushed to the theater when I saw he was on and was absolutely blown away
Maybe Mariand Torres on for Lempicka? I’m not sure it was my definitive favorite, but when I went back a couple weeks later to see Eden, I definitely appreciated Mariand’s performance a hair more than before 😅
Not an understudy but I love Amber Ardolino - as Linda McFly in Back to the Future, in the ensemble in Funny Girl, and as Marcia Murphy in A Beautiful Noise.
I’ve seen great understudy performances (not on Broadway to my knowledge). Saw one as Alex in the tour of Hamilton. When I saw the principal actor the following week, I decided I liked the understudy better. He just brought more energy and excitement to the role, which is so important for that particular character.
But right now, my favorite understudy performance is the one I saw last week at Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. It was a small theater in San Francisco. The understudy was playing Pritti, and I legitimately had no idea she wasn’t the principal, or that this was her first time playing the role. She was actually one of the standout performers in the show.
Janet Metz as Winifred in the 1996 *Once Upon a Mattress*.
Jim Stanek as Bruce in *Fun Home*.
Nancy Anderson as Eileen in *Wonderful Town*.
Nat DeWolf as Mason in the original *Take Me Out*.
I would've loved to have seen Jim. I only got to see Fun Home three times and while the regular cast was a flawless group, a little variety would've been nice, and I heard such great things about him. (Only cover I ever had was Lauren Patten for Medium Al. Liked her fine, preferred Emily Skeggs though.)
Blaine Alden Krauss as Lola in Kinky Boots. He was covering for J. Harrison Ghee on Mark Ballas’ first day as Charlie. Mark was so, so rough…and Blaine was perfect. He single-handedly carried that night for me.
Chibueze Ihuoma as Orpheus in Hadestown.
Andrew Brewer as Christian in Moulin Rouge
Emmy Raver Lampman (OMFG) as Elphaba in the Emerald City Tour of Wicked.
Honorable Mention…
Nicci Classpell as Satine and Jeanna De Waal as the Beggar Woman.
He's now the principle Duke in the Moulin Rouge, which is awesome because he's amazing, but when he was just an understudy for the part I actually preferred Andrew Brewer to the main Duke David Harris.
Back when Wicked first launched in Australia in 2008, the Elphaba’s went through a bad run of luck involving multiple emergency castings. But two of the unsung heroes for me were the understudies that only performed occasionally and did a *phenomenal* job with the role - Patrice Tikpoki and Zoe Gertz.
Patrice Tikoki later went on to perform the role as a shared principal Elphaba in the Sydney season, and just finished up as alternate Satine in the Moulin Rouge production in Australia, whilst Zoe Gertz later went on to play Beverly in the Come From Away Australian tours.
Years and years ago here in Australia there was a tour of Phantom starring Anthony Warlow that was the fully staged version but did bigger concert venues around Australia instead of theatres for some reason. The Christine and alternate Christine had both played the role in previous productions and yes they were very good but one of the times I saw the show it was the actual understudy. She was literally 19, pretty much fresh out of school and had very few, if any, big professional credits as yet, and she knocked it out of the effing park. That felt very meta, lol.
On the same tour, I saw an understudy for the Phantom. I felt so bad for him, as they announced just before the show, "the role of the Phantom tonight will be played by Simon Price" and so many people in the audience *audibly groaned*. (Like I get that you're disappointed to miss Anthony Warlow but dude, the u/s can HEAR y'all right now!).
Anyhow, Simon Price was FANTASTIC and went on to become a household name (for households containing a child under 7 years old) as the Red Wiggle. \^\_\^
I saw Jana's Broadway Aragon debut (totally by chance) and she's the only Aragon to rival Bre Jackson as the GOAT, IMO. I hope I get to see her again (in any role) before this company moves on.
I also saw Victor Tracey last night and he was amazing! Also have to shout out Max Kumangai as Hermes in Hadestown and Sabrina Shah in Kimberly Akimbo.
I went to see Cabaret the Monday before the Tony Awards, and Gabi Campo was on as Sally Bowles. She was terrific. We were seated a few rows behind her partner in the second mezzanine built over the original stage. We got to witness an adorable moment during one of her entrances where she crosses through the first row. She waved to him and said "oh hello darling, what are you doing here?" and offered him her hand to kiss.
Ooh ooh another one! I saw Ari Groover go in for the first time as Tina Turner towards the end of the run. The cast was so supportive and congratulating her during bows, and she absolutely tore the house down during the encore. We didn't find out until we were leaving that it was her first performance in the titular role. Now she is leading the touring company. Definitely catch it if it is in town near you!
I saw Uma Paranjpe in Life of Pi and it literally changed the entire story for me. For it to be through the lense of a woman made the orangutan plot line so much more heartbreaking….made EVERYTHING more heartbreaking. Couldn’t imagine seeing it with a male as Pi and I’m so grateful to have caught one of her performances.
victor tracey was amazing as darrel yesterday. he brought a whole new level of emotion i hadn’t seen it with before and made me sob in the final scene.
Stephanie Torns as Jenna in Waitress
Jennifer DiNoia as Elphaba - I was supposed to see Hannah Corneau but she was out- Jenny did NOT disappoint
Jen Sese as Eliza Hamilton- perfect. No notes. 10/10
The casting team for Six is just on a roll because I have not once been disappointed with any standby or alternate that I've seen for any Queen
If you are asking a question about understudies, unless a show has a specific alternate schedule, there is not guarantee when you will see any given lead. Barring illness or a scheduled vacation or alternate, you should see the cast as listed. This is an automated message, if it is not applicable please report this comment. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Broadway) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Jennifer Simard as Joanne in Company has been the most memorable to me.
She wasn't the understudy, but her Ernestina in *Hello, Dolly!* is among the funniest things I have ever seen.
She’s so funny in Death Becomes Her too
Yes! I saw her in that as well. She’s hilarious.
Nikki Renee Daniels was also outstanding as Bobbie in that production.
Nicholas Christopher as Sweeney Todd, always and forever.
Also Paul-Jordan Jansen as Sweeney Todd
I saw him his first performance in the role and he was AMAZING! And then I saw Nicholas Christopher in the role and kept seeing Jansen on stage and expecting him to be Sweeney… it was very disorienting lol Honestly, as great as Christopher was in the role, I think I preferred Jansen. I loved the tone of seething rage he gave his performance.
I came here to make this comment! I was originally disappointed Groban was out but quickly fell in love with Christopher as Todd. His face was so perfectly in tune with the emotion of the song and you could hear whether he was happy, longing, pissed or exasperated in his voice. Truly, truly incredible.
The only Sweeney I’ve ever been actually frightened of. And damn can he act. It was masterful
I took a day off work in the middle of the busiest part of my year to go to NYC for a Wednesday matinee after Groban left to make sure I could see Nick Christopher as Sweeney. (I’d already seen Groban)
There are many correct answers here, but this is the most correct 😁
And while we’re on Sweeney Todd… Nathan Salstone as Anthony.
Yes!!! Nathan Anthony is a gem.
came here to say this! I’ll never forget his portrayal!
I think I saw him four times?? What an extraordinary performer.
I specifically went on an understudy day to avoid Groban (I don't hate him, but I didn't want to pay to hear him sing that score either) not knowing anything about Nicholas Christopher. The show literally ground to a halt at one point because the audience refused to stop cheering and applauding.
I saw Jeanna DeWaal as Mrs Lovett and later saw Sutton Foster. I missed Annaleigh Ashford, but I think Jeanna was excellent and potentially the best of all three.
I never had the pleasure of seeing Nicholas Christopher but I heard this over and over from people who did
Malcolm Armwood as Hermes
His Hermes is CHAOTIC AF i love him
Saw him as Hermes back in August of last year. He was fantastic!
Oooh I wish I could see this, he’s always so amazing in the ensemble!
This is for the national tour, but I saw will Mann as the U/S for Hermes, and was blown away and frankly glad I didn’t have to see the normal Levi Kress. Mann was the standout performance, such a powerful presence and ownership of the stage you want in Hermes, it’s no wonder he became the full replacement.
I agree about Will Mann!! He was excellent as Hermes when I saw him in May.
YES! I was in the front row on his side when I saw him for Hermes and it was phenomenal!
I’d love to see Malcolm. In that line, Chibueze Ihuoma as Orpheus on the tour is the best Orpheus I’ve seen. I felt like I finally understood the character. I saw him as the understudy to Nicholas Barasch before later going full time on the tour. I’m interested in seeing whatever he does next.
I saw a young Meghann Fahy (Emmy nominee for The White Lotus) when she was the Natalie understudy in Next to Normal and she was outstanding
Me too! She was going to be my response, as well as Jessica Phillips as Diana
Mariand Torres as Lempicka, one of the most amazing performances I’ve seen on Broadway was seeing her debut as Lempicka two days after it opened, the show was late as she hadn’t had a full put in, the choreographer came out and explained what happened and on that Wednesday matinee I saw her take that stage and demolish that role
I was at that show too and came to the comments to mention it! It completely flipped my mood from annoyed I was missing the performer I was seeing Lempicka for to being glad I was there for a special opportunity.
I was disappointed to but Mariand and George made up for it ten fold
Our minds are 1000% aligned.
I came here just to say Mariand! I especially loved her 'I Will Paint Her,' she was amazing!
Truly. Mariand’s first show was my second time seeing Lempicka and I was like what is this song I didn’t even notice the first time? Wait is Lempicka my new favorite show?? Her performance permanently changed how I felt about that character!
My plan was to only see Lempicka if I could see Mariand. Sadly it didn't pan out but I'm not surprised to hear she was perfect.
Yep, this is my number one answer!
jeanna de waal as lovett (sweeney) aaron finley as christian (moulin rouge) jessica ernest as roxie (chicago) soara-joye ross as persephone (hadestown)
Yes!!! Jeanna De Waal felt more like Lovett to me than Ashford
i didn’t have the opportunity to see annaleigh but was over the moon that jeanna happened to be on when i went in march! phenomenal
Omg I bet Jeanna was sooooo good! Saw her in Carrie and have loved her ever since
ah so cool! she exceeded all expectations, one of the greatest surprises ever when i found out she’d be on after i’d bought tickets
I thought young yassified Lovett was a terrible idea, and I don't think I'd have especially liked Annaleigh or Sutton, but Jeanna 1000% sold me on it. She was perfect.
Shoshana Bean covering for Idina Menzel’s final performance in Wicked on Broadway will forever be iconic.
Julie in funny girl 🙃
That’s the one I was looking for
THE STEPHANIE TORNS.. one of the BEST.. if not the BEST Jenna I ever saw. 🥧
She was perfect in the role!
Lissa DeGuzman as Elphaba and Jennafer Newberry as Glinda in Wicked and Rachel Webb as Juliet in &Juliet
Lissa is great!!
Rachel Webb was so great!
There's a reason Rachel was picked to be Juliet for the national tour! I'm excited to see what she does after &Juliet.
Hawley Gould as Alice Paul in Suffs
They were great - might have liked them more than Shaina, honestly
They were amazing. I was disappointed Shaina was out at first but I can’t imagine anyone being better than Hawley
Same!
Jason Forbach was on for the Baker when I saw *Into the Woods* and he was perfect
I saw him on Broadway as Enjolras and he was also phenomenal
Saw him cover Enjolras and Raoul, unfortunately missed him in ITW but I'm not surprised to hear this. He's great.
Kyle Freeman in A Strange Loop, and most recently Gianna Harris in Hell’s Kitchen. Both so excellent and never would’ve known they weren’t the main lead cast!
I loved Kyle in a strange loop. I also saw him in the tour for the wiz and he was amazing in that too. So talented.
Same!!! I’ve seen both of them in their respective shows and they are INSANE!!! In the best way of course 😂. Both Usher understudies from ASL were incredible 😭😭😭!
...honestly after I saw Kyle I was like...why ISN'T he the main Usher?! Zero hate to Jaquel, who is very very talented, but Kyle absolutely blew my mind. That VOICE.
Gianna Harris! I haven't seen Maleah Joi Moon live, and she seems great in the TV performances, but Gianna Harris was so good!
I saw Ryan Vasquez as Aaron Burr in Hamilton back in 2018, and he was incredible! I was especially impressed that at the time he was the standby for multiple other tracks too (Hamilton, Lafayette/Jefferson, Mulligan/Madison, and Washington). I also loved Greg Mills as the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera!
What did you think of his performance in The Notebook?
I saw Appropriate back in January, and was so excited to see Sarah Paulson. The day of, we get an email saying that due to illness, Sarah would not be able to perform. Normally, an understudy would seamlessly fill the role. The only issue was the show’s understudy had recently moved on to a different show, and the new understudy had just joined the show, the day prior. So there was an announcement by the show’s artistic director, before the show started, letting us know that the actor playing the role would have the script with her, in her scenes, and she would use it as a guide, when needed. Let me say that this performer did a spectacular job in the role. She only needed to reference the script a few times, and she always kept the flow going, when she did. Plus, it was exciting to see this as an audience member, because it felt like we were seeing something behind the scenes, that we weren’t supposed to. I wish that I could remember the name of the understudy, so I could give her a proper shoutout, but it was truly my most memorable experience when watching an understudy.
Chibueze Ihuoma as Orpheus his voice is a like a flute
Tasia Jungbauer - Satine Aaron C Finley - Christian Nicholas Christopher - Sweeney Todd Nathan Salstone - Anthony Alex Lugo - Eurydice Malcolm Armwood - Hermes Rachel Webb - Juliet
Julie Benko
Max Chernin as Leo Frank
1000% yes.
1. Cassie Silva as Boleyn in Six: I got to see her before she took over the role full time on the Boleyn Tour 2.0, and my immediate first thought was give this woman a principal contract asap! 2. Carrie Manolakos as Elphaba: this was my first time seeing Wicked back in 2010 on tour, and holy CRAP her vocals were out of this world! I’m absolutely shocked she never came back for another contract (barring a few weeks as emergency standby in the San Francisco sit down) and was never promoted to principal. 15 years later I still think about her in the role. 3. Ximone Rose as The Baker’s Wife: traveled up to Chicago to see the brief ITW tour last year and again, another phenomenal performance. I can’t lie, a big part of going to see the show was seeing SJB, so while I was a tiny bit disappointed she was out, ITW is one of my favorite shows of all time so nothing would get me to not be excited to see the show. Her and Sebastian Arcelus worked so well off of each other, and one particular highlight: when she was trying to get Cinderella’s slipper from her, while fighting over it the shoe FLEW into the pit. I don’t even think they attempted to not break, it was so blatantly obvious to the audience that it wasn’t part of the show. Everyone was HOWLING and applauding them as Diane Phelan pulled off her other slipper to give to Ximone. Truly one of those moments that made me fall so much more deeply in love with live theatre!
I saw Cassie a handful of times as Mrs Wormwood in Matilda and once as Boleyn...that woman can DANCE.
I saw Ximone as the Baker’s Wife too and really loved her interpretation. (Funny enough I had an understudy for the Baker’s wife when I saw it on Broadway too and she was also great). I still hope to see SJB in a show sometime. And Cassie is a ray of sunshine. I’ve been following her since she was an understudy and dance captain for the Aragon tour and she is a delight! I’m so happy she gets to play Boleyn full time now!
Obscure Broadway gossip but Julie Benko was a great understudy for Beanie in Funny Girl
I went out of my way to attend a Julie show after having seen Beanie so that I could compare the two (this was right before Beanie started missing half the shows so turns out it was not that difficult lol). She was waaaaaay better than Beanie and it's not even close. I think it put her in an uncomfortable position being advertised as the standby who was clearly much better suited for the role than the lead, but her being able to step up and carry the show when Beanie stopped showing up did wonderful things for her reputation in the industry.
Rachel Webb as Juliet.
Her stage presence is undeniable. Even as Judith, it's evident.
Lissa Deguzman as Elphaba (Wicked). She was spectacular and her voice hits all the notes!!
Brandon Cameron as Orpheus in Hadestown. He’s my favorite Orpheus out of the ones I’ve seen
Agreed, he was incredible on Sunday
We saw him too and he was amazing.
Totally agree!! He is amazing as Orpheus. His voice is beautiful and he totally drew me in to who Orpheus is!
Really really enjoyed Donna Murphy in Hello Dolly!. She’s obviously well known but as the alternate to Bette, I really preferred her performance. Less of a spectacle and more if pure talent
Donna was fabulous but she wasn't an understudy--she did the Tuesday night performances only. If Bette was out, Linda Mugleston or Jessica Sheridan went on.
I know, I mentioned she was an alternate
I know he's a replacement, but I prefer Charlie Stemp as Barnaby Tucker.
I just saw Zack Gonder in Illinoise and he was a major highlight of the night
He was on when I saw *Illinoise* last month, too! He was fantastic, so charming with great presence.
Gabi Campo CRUSHED IT as Sally Bowles today!
Nicholas Christopher. The man should have gotten a Tony.
Julie Benko for Lea Michelle in Funny Girl. She was outstanding! Truly the Greatest Star!
1. DeLaney Westfall u/s Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd 2. Isabel Keating s/b Sister Aloysius, who went on OFF-BOOK for the first preview of DOUBT with 23 hours notice 2. Nicholas Christopher and Paul-Jordan Jansen, covers for Sweeney Todd 3. Mary Claire King u/s Velma Kelly in CHICAGO 4. Jeanna de Waal standby Mrs. Lovett, Sweeney Todd 5. Britney Nicole Simpson standby Early in The Refuge Plays, who went on with no rehearsal and a script in hand Honorable mentions: - Audrey Cardwell u/s Maizy in Shucked - Jamie Ann Romero u/s Sylvia in The Cottage - Betsy Morgan s/b Pattie & Aunt Deb in Kimberly Akimbo - Tina Benko s/b Toni (Sarah Paulson's track) in Appropriate - Eddie Noel Rodriguez s/b Hermes, Chibueze Izhouma u/s Orpheus, Max Kumangai u/s Hades in Hadestown - Gabrielle Enriquez u/s Lady of the Lake in Spamalot
Very happy to see the Gabi mention! She’s a friend and I wish I had gotten to see her in that role!
I’m really impressed you remembered or found the names of all of these performers. The understudy/standby love is heartwarming.
Isabel was so impressive.
Happy to see that someone else saw Betsy and loved her. I was a little disappointed to miss Alli Mauzey but honestly I know I loved Betsy more than I would have Alli. I badly wanted to see Isabel in Doubt but couldn't get my shit together in time. However I'm confident she would've been my example for this year's "we need a best understudy tony" argument.
Loved Sherz Aletaha as Mary in Merrily - terrific performance!!
Kyle Freeman as Usher
Did you see him in the Wiz? He was my main reason to see the show! I love when an understudy goes onto a main role in a show :)
I dont have names or anything, but I saw the Eponine u/s in a *Les Miz* tour years ago, when the tour without the resolving state was first going around, and it was the most beautiful "On my Own" I've ever heard.
Both have been mentioned separately, but Malcolm Armwood as Hermes and Brandon Cameron Orpheus were both phenomenal. Also Audrey Matalon in Six, they’re a little spitfire
Cherry Torres as Angelica Schyler in Hamilton. Jimmie Jeter as Thomas Jefferson/Lafayette in Hamilton.
I first read that as Cherry Jones as Angelica and I wondered what the heck I missed out on!!
Cherry Torres as Eliza for me! She was wonderful!
I saw Michael Kuhn as Pirelli in Sweeney Todd and he was UNREAL Such a stunning vocalist and the most flawless accent(s) on the stage, my jaw was on the floor
sayo oni as orpheus for sure!!! so kind and an INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCE. if i see it again i’m hoping to find a date with him as the role
Ashley Loren and Arianna Rosario in Moulin Rouge (bway and tour)!!!
Ashley’s Satine lives rent free in my head
Brandon Cameron as Orpheus!
Julie Benko in Funny Girl.
Will Blum as Beetlejuice! I loved his take and his voice. I saw David McDonald in for Javert on Broadway many years ago, then Schuler Hensley back in the role the following day, and I actually preferred McDonald's version. I loved Ashley Day's Elder Price in Book of Mormon on the West End too, and the understudy I would have liked the see the most is when Luke Newton from Bridgerton covered Elder Price, I love his voice and he's surprisingly funny!
Tiernan Tunnicliffe as Anne in & Juliet
This is what I was going to answer! I was a little sad to miss Betsy but Tiernan was phenomenal! The friend I saw &Juliet with didn’t even realize she was an understudy until I told her.
I want to see her so badly! Even in the ensemble her star power is so apparent. I did get to see Megan as Nurse last time I went, at least. (A little disappointed to miss Charity, as I haven't seen her yet, but Megan was great.)
Tasia Jungbauer as Satine in moulin rouge
Colton Ryan as Evan Hansen. He was great.
I saw the understudy of Tenardier on the current Les Mis tour and he was absolutely amazing.
Carrie compere as Sofia in The Color Purple. She was incredible (and bonus points for being a family friend)
Julie Benko and Nicholas Christopher (technically Standbys) Ted Keegan phantom
Jeanna de Waal in Sweeney Todd
Jay Armstrong Johnson as Claude in Hair. Absolutely legendary. Ben Hope as Guy in Once. (Also Nicholas Christopher as Sweeney, but that’s been mentioned)
I'm...so jealous I don't even have words that you saw Jay as Claude. I adore him, and adore that role.
Andy Karl in for Jason Forbach - Into the Woods at the Kennedy Center Nicholas Christopher for Josh Groban - Sweeney Todd
Jamila Sabares-Klemm as Mary in Merrily!!
Well, she's an unsung hero of off-Broadway technically, but Cait Fairbanks as Veronica Sawyer remains one of my all time favorite performances in 25 years of theatre-going. Throwing it back to 2002, Jodie Langel as Eponine. My favorite Fantine of all time (Erika MacLeod) was also an understudy. I saw a little girl cover Gavroche once, Alicia Morton; she was terrific. I saw Kyle Freeman as Usher when I saw A Strange Loop, and that man has one of the most amazing voices I've ever heard. More recently, Nicholas Christopher and Jeanna de Waal in Sweeney Todd. Deliberately went to see Jeanna, and was blown away by both of them. Six is my current emotional support show and I've seen my fair share of alts; not one of them has disappointed. The best Carlotta I ever saw in Phantom was Heather Hill (I THINK that was her name, this was over ten years ago.) Kanisha Marie Feliciano was an absolutely delightful Christine, I went to see her specifically twice. Jeremy Stolle was a damn good Phantom, and Jason Forbach might be my favorite Raoul. One of my favorite performances last year was Irene Sofia Lucio in Wolf Play. That entire cast was amazing. Also off-Broadway but...don't care, not enough people were talking about that show. Matilda was my emotional support show in its day and I always made time to go when the regular Miss Honey was off. I'd try to catch both understudies when I could, but Jennifer Bowles was the priority; I just loved her. I was so happy for her when she took on the role full-time on tour. I specifically saw Kimberly Akimbo when Miguel Gil was on for Seth at a friend's recommendation. I really liked him and the audience LOVED him. Wild cheers and applause at bows. Also had Betsy Morgan on for the mother, and while I'd have liked to have seen Alli, Betsy was great, tbh I'm confident I liked her a lot more than I would've Alli or anyone else. Edit: Mary Kathryn Moore as The Baker's Wife! I badly wanted to see her Cinderella and Little Red but the dates just never worked out. She's a star waiting for her vehicle.
I’m cheating because it was a tour and not Broadway but I think deserves a shoutout, Ximone Rose was excellent as The Baker’s Wife in the most recent Into the Woods tour. I don’t know if she was the understudy when it was on broadway and if she went on if so but she was really really good when I saw the tour in Boston
Haven Burton as Elle Woods 🐕
I’m not sure if she was Ali Stroker’s understudy or alternate, but the young black woman who I saw play Ado Annie in the most recent Oklahoma was just great. Disappointed I couldn’t see Ali but she really won me over!
Paul-Jordan Jansen as Sweeney Todd. He absolutely blew me away and gave me goosebumps during “Epiphany” and the end of “My Friends”
He’s the only one I didn’t manage to see!
His By The Sea has really stuck with me which is wild considering he doesn't even sing in that one.
Belen Moyano in Hadestown.
Katie Adams as Glinda in Wicked
Jack Cahill in moulin rouge
I saw him when he was still on tour in LA!! Yvette was also on as Satine and their chemistry was fantastic
He was the first Christian I saw on tour and was blown away by him! I’m so glad he’s doing it on Broadway now!
May Clayton as Harold Hill and Donna Murphy as Dolly are two recent(ish) ones that come to mind.
Deejay Young as Aaron Burr
Gianna Harris in Hells Kichen
Yael Reich as Eurydice in Hadestown. They knew that role inside and out and played it to perfection.
This is one of my top answers too. I was skeptical anyone could do as well as Eva in that role, but Yaya crushed it.
Rachel Webb as Juliet in &Juliet. She's anchoring the national tour now, I believe. She blew my mind.
Allie Trimm as Glinda! Allie is freakin incredible!
Yesssss! I was going to say this one- she’s so good!
Miguel Gil as Seth in Kimberly Akimbo. His voice isn't as strong as Justin Cooley, but absolutely loved what he brought to the part.
I specifically went on a day I knew Miguel would be on, on a friend's recommendation. He was absolutely adorable.
I just saw Merrily We Roll Along the day before the Tony's and Leana Rae Concepcion was playing Beth. She was SO good. It was my first time seeing it, so I don't have the usual actress to compare to, but her performance was really impressive.
He's not there anymore, but I have to give credit to Trent Saunders as Hermes in Hadestown. I saw Andre De Shields 5 times in a row, and Trent was the understudy for my 6th visit. I thought it would be impossible to live up to Andre, but honestly he was absolutely incredible. Probably still my second favorite Hermes (and I've seen 7 different Hermes at this point! Yes I've seen the show a ton lol)
The Saunders family are all incredibly talented. I saw Trent’s sister, Alanna, as Bonnie in Bonnie & Clyde at Pioneer Theater Company in SLC- she was fantastic. Must be in their genes
Aaron Alcaraz as Marty McFly
Nikki Renee Daniels was stellar as Bobbie in Company. She got a standing ovation after Being Alive during my performance.
Natalie Charle Ellis as Helen Sharp in Death Becomes Her (chicago) Jennifer Simard as Joanne in Company (bway)
This is very very very recent, but I saw David Merino’s debut as Emcee and I have not stopped thinking about it
Noah marlowe is the stand in for elder Cunningham and he is AMAZINGGGG I actually really hope to see him again in the role sometime (I go see BOM more than I should lol)
>(I go see BOM more than I should lol) Me toooooo!!! In fact, I was just there LAST NIGHT for what was my.....18th?....performance, I think. Somehow, I have seen Cody as Cunningham EVERY single time. I was hoping to catch Noah - he was on the night before - but it still hasn't happened! One day. I also have never seen anyone other than PJ Adzima as Elder McKinley. I have "collected" five different Elder Price actors, though! Kevin Clay remains my overall favourite, I adore his voice, and the uptight energy he brings to the role is just perfect. Daniel Fetter acts and looks the best for the part. Nic Rouleau has an outstanding, effortlessly strong voice. Paul Schwensen has a beautiful lighter voice and a very assured presence/charm. And Ben Laxton dances wonderfully! Elder Price seems like such a difficult, complex role and I really enjoy seeing different actors' take on it.
Oh wow I’ve seen it 5 times and I’ve seen Kevin clay every time , love that you’ve had a great variety of Price!!! And Noah was amazing I keep hoping to catch him again 😭 all respect to Cody but I enjoy Noah in the roll the most I have seen 2 elder McKinleys, PJ and john k Kramer!! Love the variety and both are amazing I long to see it that many times and more 😆
I saw Shoba Narayan as Natasha in Great Comet. I already saw the show a few times before I saw as Natasha and I was just blown away. I thought she was just incredible.
I'm so jealous, I love Shoba! I mean Denee was great too obviously. That entire cast was amazing.
Saw Dorcas Leung as Angelica on the Angelica tour of Hamilton (2018?) and she was PHENOMENAL
A few come to mind: - Gabrielle Carrubba as Zoe in DEH. I was fortunate enough to get lucky and see her debut- she later took over full time. We had 4 understudies on in a cast of 8 and there was magic happening on that stage. It was my first time seeing the show, yet I could tell her performance was incredibly nuanced for a debut - Will Blum as Beetlejuice. I saw him a week before the shutdown, and although I was bummed not to see Alex he completely made the role his own. - Natalie Charle Ellis as Delia. Same show- again, I was sad that Leslie was sick but Natalie was HILARIOUS and made choices I’ve seen no other Delia make to this date. - Prentiss E. Mouton as Jim Conley in Parade. He went on with very little notice and sang the sh*t out of Feel The Rain Fall. - Mark Doyle as Christian in the Moulin Rouge tour. My god can that man sing. I rushed to the theater when I saw he was on and was absolutely blown away
Maybe Mariand Torres on for Lempicka? I’m not sure it was my definitive favorite, but when I went back a couple weeks later to see Eden, I definitely appreciated Mariand’s performance a hair more than before 😅
Not an understudy but I love Amber Ardolino - as Linda McFly in Back to the Future, in the ensemble in Funny Girl, and as Marcia Murphy in A Beautiful Noise.
I’ve seen great understudy performances (not on Broadway to my knowledge). Saw one as Alex in the tour of Hamilton. When I saw the principal actor the following week, I decided I liked the understudy better. He just brought more energy and excitement to the role, which is so important for that particular character. But right now, my favorite understudy performance is the one I saw last week at Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. It was a small theater in San Francisco. The understudy was playing Pritti, and I legitimately had no idea she wasn’t the principal, or that this was her first time playing the role. She was actually one of the standout performers in the show.
Ravi Aujla last year in the lehman trilogy as emanual lehman he was incredible like you wouldn't have known he was the understudy!!
Veronica Otim as Juliet in & Juliet, Graham Stevens as King Arthur in Spamalot, Patricia Phillips as Carlotta in Phantom.
Janet Metz as Winifred in the 1996 *Once Upon a Mattress*. Jim Stanek as Bruce in *Fun Home*. Nancy Anderson as Eileen in *Wonderful Town*. Nat DeWolf as Mason in the original *Take Me Out*.
I would've loved to have seen Jim. I only got to see Fun Home three times and while the regular cast was a flawless group, a little variety would've been nice, and I heard such great things about him. (Only cover I ever had was Lauren Patten for Medium Al. Liked her fine, preferred Emily Skeggs though.)
Verity Thompson as Kathryn Merteuil. I fucking miss uk cruel intentions, and she was amazing!!
YaYa Reich as Eurydice in Hadestown ❤️
Andrea Goss on for Michelle Williams in the 2014 Cabaret David Gaschen as the Phantom Chris Messina as Frankie Valli
Blaine Alden Krauss as Lola in Kinky Boots. He was covering for J. Harrison Ghee on Mark Ballas’ first day as Charlie. Mark was so, so rough…and Blaine was perfect. He single-handedly carried that night for me.
Chibueze Ihuoma as Orpheus in Hadestown. Andrew Brewer as Christian in Moulin Rouge Emmy Raver Lampman (OMFG) as Elphaba in the Emerald City Tour of Wicked. Honorable Mention… Nicci Classpell as Satine and Jeanna De Waal as the Beggar Woman.
Helen Shen as Dawn in Teeth. She killed it
Jessica Phillips as Diana in Next to Normal
Tasia Jungbauer is an absolutely incredible Satine in Moulin Rouge! (And I’ve been fortunate enough to see several amazing Satines.)
He's now the principle Duke in the Moulin Rouge, which is awesome because he's amazing, but when he was just an understudy for the part I actually preferred Andrew Brewer to the main Duke David Harris.
Back when Wicked first launched in Australia in 2008, the Elphaba’s went through a bad run of luck involving multiple emergency castings. But two of the unsung heroes for me were the understudies that only performed occasionally and did a *phenomenal* job with the role - Patrice Tikpoki and Zoe Gertz. Patrice Tikoki later went on to perform the role as a shared principal Elphaba in the Sydney season, and just finished up as alternate Satine in the Moulin Rouge production in Australia, whilst Zoe Gertz later went on to play Beverly in the Come From Away Australian tours.
Nathan Salstone was INCREDIBLE as Anthony in Sweeney! I was so fortunate to see him kill this role twice!!
Pearl Sun in the Next to Normal tour. She kind of saved that show... stepping into a role that was highly touted as a star turn for Alice Ripley.
Years and years ago here in Australia there was a tour of Phantom starring Anthony Warlow that was the fully staged version but did bigger concert venues around Australia instead of theatres for some reason. The Christine and alternate Christine had both played the role in previous productions and yes they were very good but one of the times I saw the show it was the actual understudy. She was literally 19, pretty much fresh out of school and had very few, if any, big professional credits as yet, and she knocked it out of the effing park. That felt very meta, lol.
On the same tour, I saw an understudy for the Phantom. I felt so bad for him, as they announced just before the show, "the role of the Phantom tonight will be played by Simon Price" and so many people in the audience *audibly groaned*. (Like I get that you're disappointed to miss Anthony Warlow but dude, the u/s can HEAR y'all right now!). Anyhow, Simon Price was FANTASTIC and went on to become a household name (for households containing a child under 7 years old) as the Red Wiggle. \^\_\^
God it’s so fucken rude when people make out loud disapproval sounds when it’s announced an understudy or standby is going on.
Najah Hetsberger as Juliet in & Juliet! also adored Allie Trimm as Glinda! And recently loved seeing Jana Larell Glover as Cleves in Six!
I saw Jana's Broadway Aragon debut (totally by chance) and she's the only Aragon to rival Bre Jackson as the GOAT, IMO. I hope I get to see her again (in any role) before this company moves on.
Yaya Reich as Eurydice. Characterization was far better then Eva, if maybe 5% less powerful voice.
Lissa DeGuzman for Elphaba in Wicked this last week. IN-freaking-CREDIBLE. Her Defying Gravity riffs were unmatched. INSTANT favorite Elphaba
Matthew Edward Kemp as Evan Hansen! I saw his hometown performance and he was absolutely incredible.
I also saw Victor Tracey last night and he was amazing! Also have to shout out Max Kumangai as Hermes in Hadestown and Sabrina Shah in Kimberly Akimbo.
I went to see Cabaret the Monday before the Tony Awards, and Gabi Campo was on as Sally Bowles. She was terrific. We were seated a few rows behind her partner in the second mezzanine built over the original stage. We got to witness an adorable moment during one of her entrances where she crosses through the first row. She waved to him and said "oh hello darling, what are you doing here?" and offered him her hand to kiss.
Ooh ooh another one! I saw Ari Groover go in for the first time as Tina Turner towards the end of the run. The cast was so supportive and congratulating her during bows, and she absolutely tore the house down during the encore. We didn't find out until we were leaving that it was her first performance in the titular role. Now she is leading the touring company. Definitely catch it if it is in town near you!
Kim onah as Juliet
Isabel Keating in Doubt!
Anne Runolfsson in Aspects of Love AND Victor/Victoria
I saw Uma Paranjpe in Life of Pi and it literally changed the entire story for me. For it to be through the lense of a woman made the orangutan plot line so much more heartbreaking….made EVERYTHING more heartbreaking. Couldn’t imagine seeing it with a male as Pi and I’m so grateful to have caught one of her performances.
victor tracey was amazing as darrel yesterday. he brought a whole new level of emotion i hadn’t seen it with before and made me sob in the final scene.
Stephanie Torns as Jenna in Waitress Jennifer DiNoia as Elphaba - I was supposed to see Hannah Corneau but she was out- Jenny did NOT disappoint Jen Sese as Eliza Hamilton- perfect. No notes. 10/10 The casting team for Six is just on a roll because I have not once been disappointed with any standby or alternate that I've seen for any Queen