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Of course, it is no longer just "Gypsy"anymore. It has become "AUDRA/GYPSY," creating a whole new marketing scheme. Which has failed miserably, as the hottest ticket on Broadway missed the entire Christmas week. The excuse was Audra being sick, and so were some members of the company. Which is understandable enough.
But, when I found out last night, via CBS News, that the understudies were not up to speed, and that because Audra is such a name, no alternate was found for her, in case this happened--which it did, I blew my stack!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There is NO excuse for this. What was George Wolfe thinking--or not? And Audra--is she such a diva that the show cannot go on without her? Ethel Merman said she would go on sometimes if she had a sore throat. If a performer was out, in over half a century of theatergoing in my life, the show went on, with alternates, understudies, and standbys. Sure, the star and cast may not be there, but it is better than shutting down the show altogether. I really sympathize with the staff working at the Majestic Theatre box office; they must be going out of their minds, and I do not blame them. And all because of negligence and arrogance.
I hope "Gypsy" does play this afternoon, at 3PM. Though I have my doubts. If I had the fortitude, I would march into the Majestic and try to get a standing room ticket, just to see what shape the show is in, at this point. And, of course, if it does not play, I would not be altogether surprised, which would beg the question, when on earth will performances resume?
This is an unfortunate precedent that paves the way for other shows to follow suit. What happened to show and company loyalty, not to mention taking care of oneself, so as to avoid illness, or at least being well enough to go on?
The saga of "Gypsy" is not just an onstage one. It is backstage as well.
I see a repeat of the "Funny Girl" debacle, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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