Saturday, June 16, 2007

A theatre in flux

I half-jokingly said to another cast member a couple of days ago that, because of all the people leaving the show and the new ones coming in, our theatre is in a constant state of flux. Jokingly, only because the people that are leaving are moving on to other, greater opportunities (hence, their departures are, although sad, are still happy ones), and that the people coming in will be great additions to the show and to the cast.

Over the next many days, there will be numerous cast changes and shuffles... one actor is going from his current track to another and being given an additional role to understudy, another actor is being given a brand new understudy position, three people are leaving this Sunday, two people are leaving next weekend, one is coming in as a replacement for another who's going on medical leave, and so on and so forth. That means a seemingly endless train of rehearsals and put-ins, costume alterations, and little to no sleep for the stage management and wardrobe departments who, I'm sure, are praying to STOP THE INSANITY.

So yes, our constant state of flux will remain, and I don't see an end in sight for this condition. As exciting as things can be when changes come, it's also nice when things finally settle in, and we can all enjoy some sameness for a good enough time.

At this moment I am not at liberty to make any public announcements of who's coming and going, but once I know, so will you. Please stay tuned.

16 comments:

arkitekfhc . said...

Thanks for the update. I wish good fortunes to the company.

Chino Hernandez said...

Thanks for the update. Yes, I've heard about this, I wish everyone at Les Miserables all the best!

geraldine soropia said...

Hello from Toronto, Canada! How are you Leah? Let me start by saying that I'm proud to have you as an ambassador of successful Filipinos living abroad. I admire you not only as a singer and actress, but as someone whose success never inflated her ego and remained as a person with a down to earth and a humble personality. After reading the numerous comments from your fans here, it's confirmed that a lot of them agree with me as well. Forgive me but I'm new at this blog thing. After reading your comment here on the never ending casting changes and what have you....I hope that you will not decide to do the same yet. You see, my niece and I are planning to watch you on the 3pm show next Sunday, June 24th. I'll be driving from Canada to New York just to watch you perform in Les Miz. I missed your show a few years ago when you played the part of Eponine, and I'm hoping to have better luck this time. I have not bought the tickets yet because I'm hoping and praying that you will reply to me and advise me if you will definitely be on for that particular date. So please, please Ms. Leah, do let me know of your updated schedule at your most convenient time. I will ever be so greatful and so will my niece as this will be her very first broadway musical experience. Thank you in advance and keep up the great work. I heard that Norm Lewis has left the show. Is this true? Thirteen years ago, my son played the part of "Tam" in Miss Saigon here in Toronto and Norm was in that same cast also. I was hoping to see him in New York too. Looking forward to read your reply. Many thanks.

Yep, Me said...

Thanks for the heads-up! Please do keep us informed.

Lea Salonga said...

Sigh, if only you got all your facts straight.

Lea Salonga said...

Sorry to correct you, but it's LEA.

Marcus Smith said...

http://bigsis222.multiply.com/journal/item/63

I perform at each and every performance of the run, except of course when I'm sick (like right now) or injured (like hopefully never). Unless there's a notification on the board by the box office or an insert in the playbill, you can be sure that it'll be me up on stage singing.

http://bigsis222.multiply.com/journal/item/64

four new principals that are joining the show beginning April 24: Ben Davis (Javert), Ann Harada (Madame Thenardier), Max von Essen (Enjolras) and Mandy Bruno (Eponine).

Ames Away said...

I think craziness goes for all productions in the entertainment field--but in the end all will work out!

The same goes on the Simpsons Movie...it has been a crazy wild wride working on this production.

Only 42 days or so left til its release!

maricris salvador said...

hi lea! it's nice to see that u have this multiply site.. i missed seeing you in miss saigon.. :( hopefully this time i would in Les Mis... my cousin and her friend from california are coming for a visit this july and they specifically told me to inquire what dates you perform... to be sure that you're the one we are going to see... i know probably you've had a lot of people ask you the same question...
they'll be here july 14-18... i hope you would be able to let me know if you are performing on all those dates so i could already get advance tickets to get good seats... i really would appreciate it.... looking forward to see you on broadway! thanks so much! take care..
-maricris from great neck long island

andrea dizon said...

LEA YOU ROCK!!

Dana Finley said...

Yes, Lea please keep us informed on the cast changes when you are able.

bing ♥ said...

She always does and she never fails to keep everybody informed in all aspects of her performances. Schedule wise, you may direct yourselves to her calendar of events. More information can be obtained from her blogs which are always up-to-date (I suggest reading her past blog entries as well to keep one in synch with the present, *wink*).

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Urane laderas-cabantog said...

thanks for keeping us updated,,,,,
God bless!!!

geraldine soropia said...

So sorry for mispelling your name Lea. My nieces and I have tickets now to watch you on Monday, June 25, the evening show. My nieces and I are excited to finally watch you and hopefully get a chance to take pictures with you. Thank you once again for responding.

D G said...

Yeah, Norm left so he would have a break between the role of Javert and his new role, King Trident in the revival of The Little Mermaid. He could not teach at the Broadway Bootcamp Tour over the summer because of preparation for the Little Mermaid and finishing up Les Mis. I last met him at one of these two years ago.