The London production 2

HerMajesty wrote:

SweetChristine wrote:

HerMajesty wrote:

SweetChristine wrote:

operafantomet wrote:So Peter Jöback is off sick, and Robyn North is on as emergency cover...
What's going on at Her Majesty's Theatre?

https://twitter.com/#!/robynnorthpiper

How does they choose who will be emergency cover?

Whoever has done it before and is available at short notice. Gina Beck has also been emergency cover. I believe Tim Morgan is still emergency cover Phantom after all these years I saw him in Mary Poppins one night and the night after he was on as Phantom

I don't believe for minute Peter Jöback will fulfill his contract, he had to try so very hard when we saw him there is no way any performer could keep that up. I'll give him 2 months.

It´s great that the actors are emergency cover. In every production that they played before or only there?
Everyone from the Phantom production could be asked if I he or she can? It´s interesting that they play it again.

Well, not everyone, but someone who is reliable, decentish and in town at the time.

For example, JOJ will have been emergency cover whilst in Les Mis.

Thank you for your information. And have they little rehearsals?

SweetChristine wrote:

Thank you for your information. And have they little rehearsals?

I believe if there was time they would call a rehearsal on the day, but if it was true emergency, like in the case where Gina Beck was called out of Wicked recently, I imagine they would go on pretty much without.

HerMajesty wrote:

SweetChristine wrote:

HerMajesty wrote:

SweetChristine wrote:

operafantomet wrote:So Peter Jöback is off sick, and Robyn North is on as emergency cover...
What's going on at Her Majesty's Theatre?

https://twitter.com/#!/robynnorthpiper

How does they choose who will be emergency cover?

Whoever has done it before and is available at short notice. Gina Beck has also been emergency cover. I believe Tim Morgan is still emergency cover Phantom after all these years I saw him in Mary Poppins one night and the night after he was on as Phantom

I don't believe for minute Peter Jöback will fulfill his contract, he had to try so very hard when we saw him there is no way any performer could keep that up. I'll give him 2 months.

It´s great that the actors are emergency cover. In every production that they played before or only there?
Everyone from the Phantom production could be asked if I he or she can? It´s interesting that they play it again.

Well, not everyone, but someone who is reliable, decentish and in town at the time.

For example, JOJ will have been emergency cover whilst in Les Mis.

So basically a "Phantom booty call".

R.

You rarely hear about performers having to go on as emergency covers in America. I wonder why that is. One of the two examples I can think of is when Sara Jean Ford, who was playing Christine at the time but had only just recently left A Little Night Music, had to return to that show for one or two nights because the principal and understudies for the role she had covered in the show were all sick. The funny thing is she had never actually performed this lead role while in the show, so she had only done it in rehearsal.

The other is when Marcus Lovett had to step into Carousel and leave Phantom early. I can't think of any former Phantom cast members who are just hanging around NY or doing other shows who are called to perform at a moment's notice in Phantom. Some people are brought in to be swings or fill in ensemble roles and are sort of roving swings, like David Gaschen and Kimilee Bryant, who've each spent time with the tour and the Broadway production performing almost every role of their gender. And there are vacation covers, like when Hugh and Howard had each stepped in while the other was on vacation for a few weeks. But I don't remember hearing of emergency covers.

SenorSwanky wrote:You rarely hear about performers having to go on as emergency covers in America. I wonder why that is. One of the two examples I can think of is when Sara Jean Ford, who was playing Christine at the time but had only just recently left A Little Night Music, had to return to that show for one or two nights because the principal and understudies for the role she had covered in the show were all sick. The funny thing is she had never actually performed this lead role while in the show, so she had only done it in rehearsal.

The other is when Marcus Lovett had to step into Carousel and leave Phantom early. I can't think of any former Phantom cast members who are just hanging around NY or doing other shows who are called to perform at a moment's notice in Phantom. Some people are brought in to be swings or fill in ensemble roles and are sort of roving swings, like David Gaschen and Kimilee Bryant, who've each spent time with the tour and the Broadway production performing almost every role of their gender. And there are vacation covers, like when Hugh and Howard had each stepped in while the other was on vacation for a few weeks. But I don't remember hearing of emergency covers.

It´s fascinatinating and very interesting, thanks for so much information!

SenorSwanky wrote:You rarely hear about performers having to go on as emergency covers in America. I wonder why that is. One of the two examples I can think of is when Sara Jean Ford, who was playing Christine at the time but had only just recently left A Little Night Music, had to return to that show for one or two nights because the principal and understudies for the role she had covered in the show were all sick.

I think only the Christine role has had emergency cover in the West End (well, if you don't count Michael Crawford getting injured, Steve Barton replacing him, Barton getting injured, Crawford rushing back). "Emergency cover" is not an own title someone has, it's literally calling ex-Christines who might be in town and might fit the costumes. It can be anyone, but obviously one performing the role fairly recently. So it's not a paid position like "standby Phantom" or "alternate Christine". It's just a performer saving the day!

I think the reason why it rarely happens on Broadway is that they have one principal Christine, one alternate and TWO understudies. West End only have one understudy. If one of these happen to be on holiday, and another gets sick, it's time to call an emergency cover. It's what happened when they called Gina Beck. One of the regular Christines was still around, but they didn't want to put all 8 performances on her.

Pretty cool, though, to have a "one night only" performance and (I assume) getting paid handsomely.

operafantomet wrote:"Emergency cover" is not an own title someone has, it's literally calling ex-Christines who might be in town and might fit the costumes. It can be anyone, but obviously one performing the role fairly recently. So it's not a paid position like "standby Phantom" or "alternate Christine". It's just a performer saving the day!

Yeah, I know.

I think the reason why it rarely happens on Broadway is that they have one principal Christine, one alternate and TWO understudies. West End only have one understudy.

Aha! Answers my question then.

For those wondering, Peter Jöback is back on stage tonight.

operafantomet wrote:

SenorSwanky wrote:You rarely hear about performers having to go on as emergency covers in America. I wonder why that is. One of the two examples I can think of is when Sara Jean Ford, who was playing Christine at the time but had only just recently left A Little Night Music, had to return to that show for one or two nights because the principal and understudies for the role she had covered in the show were all sick.

I think only the Christine role has had emergency cover in the West End (well, if you don't count Michael Crawford getting injured, Steve Barton replacing him, Barton getting injured, Crawford rushing back). "Emergency cover" is not an own title someone has, it's literally calling ex-Christines who might be in town and might fit the costumes. It can be anyone, but obviously one performing the role fairly recently. So it's not a paid position like "standby Phantom" or "alternate Christine". It's just a performer saving the day!

I think the reason why it rarely happens on Broadway is that they have one principal Christine, one alternate and TWO understudies. West End only have one understudy. If one of these happen to be on holiday, and another gets sick, it's time to call an emergency cover. It's what happened when they called Gina Beck. One of the regular Christines was still around, but they didn't want to put all 8 performances on her.

Pretty cool, though, to have a "one night only" performance and (I assume) getting paid handsomely.

Different cast systems..that´s right!

More Jöback/London, this time from an interview with the Swedish paper Skånskan:

http://www.skanskan.se/article/20120430/NOJE/704299882/1162/-/han-trivs-bakom-masken

For those who don't speak Swedish, here's the short version as interpreted by me... Basically he wanted to bring a larger vulnerability and solitude to the role, and was allowed to do so. During rehearsals he worked with four different people - director, voice coach, dialect coach, movement coach (I don't know if some of these were from outside the theatre, or if they were all in-house).

He tells applying the deformity takes an hour (I could have sworn JOJ said it took around 25 minutes), but only 15 minutes to remove. He likes the time in the make up chair, as the time it takes to apply the deformity as well as the actual process gives him time to get into character.

Though it was ALW he auditioned for in New York, for Love Never Dies, it was Cameron Mackintosh who contacted him for the Phantom role. It's what I originally assumed, glad to get it confirmed. He hopes to get to play Jean Valjean in Les Mis (I really don't see him in that role, but I said the same about Phantom, so....).

He ends telling about his upcoming musical tour.

Saw the show tonight, it was a really good show. Nadim Naaman was on as Raoul, Katy Treharne as Christine and I got to see Carmen Vass as Carlotta. I really like Katy and Nadim together, I hope Katy will be principal if Sofia is leaving. I'm so happy that I finally got to see Carmen as Carlotta! I've seen Wendy so many times that it was nice to see somebody new. Peter was struggling with some of the notes throughout the show but he was really great in Final Lair.

I'm so pleased you got to see Carmen Vass! What did you think of her? I'd also love to see Katy promoted to principal Christine if Sofia leaves.

'fraid Peter Jöback is off sick again. Same throat problems as before. They think it might be allergies. I hope it is, cause that is at least curable. He's off May 15th and 16th so far; I assume Scott Davies fills in.

Carmen Vass sounds intriguing!

Oh dear, I just hope he's not off sick when I next see the show I've got tickets for end of June, I know it's a few weeks away but it does seem like a bit of a gamble weather Peter will be on or not lol. No it's not quite that bad but do hope absences aren't because he's damaging his voice. I do hope he is on when I go though as it will most likely be Scott Davies on and that would be a bit disappointing.

Helen wrote:I'm so pleased you got to see Carmen Vass! What did you think of her? I'd also love to see Katy promoted to principal Christine if Sofia leaves.

I really liked her voice and her portrayal. She didn't do anything outstanding but she made me laugh several times and to me she was a bit different from Wendy Ferguson's Carlotta, which I appreciated. Would love to see her again!

London-Phan wrote:Oh dear, I just hope he's not off sick when I next see the show I've got tickets for end of June, I know it's a few weeks away but it does seem like a bit of a gamble weather Peter will be on or not lol. No it's not quite that bad but do hope absences aren't because he's damaging his voice. I do hope he is on when I go though as it will most likely be Scott Davies on and that would be a bit disappointing.

Why would it be disappointing to see a superior Phantom? Because you've seen him many times before?

SenorSwanky wrote:

London-Phan wrote:Oh dear, I just hope he's not off sick when I next see the show I've got tickets for end of June, I know it's a few weeks away but it does seem like a bit of a gamble weather Peter will be on or not lol. No it's not quite that bad but do hope absences aren't because he's damaging his voice. I do hope he is on when I go though as it will most likely be Scott Davies on and that would be a bit disappointing.

Why would it be disappointing to see a superior Phantom? Because you've seen him many times before?

I didn't mean it quite how it sounded. Don't get me wrong, Scott is very good but there's a few things i don't really like about his acting in a couple of places but it's mainly because i have seen him in the role 5 times now so i'm not too fussed about seeing him again. But saying that, if he is on when i go next i wouldn't think to myself oh i cant sit through show with Scott as phantom again. I would still enjoy the show. Like when i went back in January i was really looking forward to seeing Earl as i had only seen him once and that was about 7 years previous, so when i saw that Scott was on i was a little disappointed to start with but it was still an excellent show. I'm just hoping Peter is on Because i think he is excellent. I did say he was my new favorite but maybe i was a bit hasty as i have only seen him twice but if he's as good or better than last time when i see him next then it's possible he could be my new fave.

Sofia Escobar announced today that she has been offered a third year with The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's, which she has accepted.

Part 1: https://twitter.com/sofia_escobar/status/208138929239633920
Part 2: https://twitter.com/sofia_escobar/status/208139090380603392

That's cool I like Sofia's Christine. Simon Shorten is also staying on and will probably continue to be 2nd cover Phantom. I wonder if we'll find out who the new Phantom is soon and I wonder if we will have a new standby too?

London-Phan wrote:That's cool I like Sofia's Christine.

Me too. I saw her twice last year and thought she was adorable.

I think Scott Davies will stick around unless they want him out but I haven't seen him since Christmas to ask if that's still how he feels ha!

Katy Treharne is leaving unfortunately (though I completely understand her reasons for doing so.) Ellen Jackson and Gareth Snook are both staying so I would assume Phillip Griffiths and Barry James will too (I just think Ellen and Phillip/ Gareth and Barry seem to go hand in hand.)

I assume Katy's leaving because she has been there a while? Never got to see her play the part, unfortunately...

I'm looking forward to there being a new alternate, though...hopefully someone completely new, or Claire Doyle? I read on his Twitter that Killian Donnelly is leaving...

Sofia is not the strongest actress I have seen in the role, but she has so much heart and generosity that she is, overall, a lovely Christine who I found quite moving in the role, as a result.

Katy is wanting to keep herself free to perhaps audition for other things and is also going on tour with Peter in Sweden. I think it's very brave, in the industry bravery and moving on when you need to is what you need to do.

I'm looking forward to a new Phantom and Raoul! Though I did actually like Peter when I saw him this week...not perfect by any means but who is?

Oh I quite wanted to see Katy, I probably won't get a chance now. I really want to know who the phantom is going to be? I've still got a feeling about Simon Bowman, or possibly Hadley Fraser.

I've literally heard nothing bar the Simon Bowman rumours about who is to play The Phantom after September. We shall see!

I saw Hadley Fraser in Les Mis this week and I think he could actually take on the role of The Phantom but perhaps in a few years time. I'm not entirely sure he'd be ready quite yet but you never know, he could be surprising. I was pleasantly surprised with his Javert (bar a few minor quibbles.)

They could bring Hadley in to play Raoul maybe? Is there any chance of David Shannon returning as phantom?

Unfortunately not, I really did like him in the role and I think he'd do well if he returned (without all the politics that was going on during his year) but he is off to New York which is very exciting. He really wants to push and challenge himself and seems extremely upbeat about it which is really great.

Perhaps in the future he may return, I guess no one really knows where life may take people. I'd quite like it to be another new Phantom and Raoul this year especially since Sofia is staying on as Christine. It is always nice to see completely new interpretations.

Yeah I would be happy for another completely new phantom, just hope it's not too long before they announce it.

MajesticPhantom wrote:I assume Katy's leaving because she has been there a while? Never got to see her play the part, unfortunately...

I'm looking forward to there being a new alternate, though...hopefully someone completely new, or Claire Doyle?

I'm sorry to hear Katy's leaving, but I'm sure she'll go on to have an amazing career. I'm glad I saw her again last time I was there, I don't know if I'll get to see her again before she leaves. I really liked Claire Doyle when I saw her, so I'd love her to be alternate. What date is cast change this year?

I saw Hadley Fraser in Les Mis this week and I think he could actually take on the role of The Phantom but perhaps in a few years time. I'm not entirely sure he'd be ready quite yet but you never know, he could be surprising. I was pleasantly surprised with his Javert (bar a few minor quibbles.)

I saw him again in April, I liked him more than I did last year. He didn't annoy me, anyway. I'm not sure about him as the Phantom, but I'm sure it'll happen at some point.

Ellen Jackson and Gareth Snook are both staying so I would assume Phillip Griffiths and Barry James will too (I just think Ellen and Phillip/ Gareth and Barry seem to go hand in hand.) .

That's great, it wouldn't be the same without Ellen Jackson! Any word on the rest of the cast?

Helen, this may sound crazy but the reviews of Hadley as Javert seem to have shifted a little since the days of Alfie/Hadley and Ramin/Hadley. I'm wondering if perhaps since David joined that he has altered his portrayal to fit more with his slightly and it has done him so good. That or he's just settling in towards the end of his run. I didn't find him perfect as Javert by a long shot (he seems to sing every single line in exactly the same tone never ever changing it...you get the picture) and don't think he'd be perfect as The Phantom but I could see it happening.

I'm not too sure on who else is staying though I have some inclinations. It doesn't appear to be that big a cast change this year (yet again.)