Understudies Are Underrated | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Understudies Are Underrated

Never underestimate the power of stepping up at a moment's notice.

17
Understudies Are Underrated
My Photo

There are many reasons why you might choose to attend a performance of a play or musical. Perhaps you heard really wonderful reviews of the show and are hoping to learn what all the hubbub is about. Or maybe the show is near and dear to your heart and you never miss a chance to see it. Whatever your reasoning for seeing a play or musical may be, more often than not you will be eager to find out the actors that will be rounding out the cast of characters for your performance, right? I know I for one get incredibly excited when I see an actor that I look up to and enjoy watching on the cast list for the evening. Every once in a while, however, you open up your Playbill and you discover that you won't be seeing your favorite star; rather, you'll be seeing his or her understudy grace the stage. While this may seem a tragedy at the start; more often than not you will not be disappointed if you give him or her a shot.

On a trip to New York City this summer, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to see Disney's Aladdin on Broadway. I was incredibly excited to see it not only because I love Disney, but also because I was anxious to see a specific performer. I had wanted to watch James Monroe Iglehart as the Genie the moment I saw him sing "Friend Like Me" on the Tony Awards two years prior, and I was shaking with anticipation as I walked into the theater. I sat down, eagerly opened my playbill, and my heart sank as I looked at the cast list. James, who I had heard rarely missed a performance, was not on for that night. Instead, his understudy would be taking the stage, and I was heartbroken. All I had wanted was to see a Tony-winner, but instead I was stuck with Major Attaway, who I knew absolutely nothing about.

As the lights went down and the curtain went up I was grumbling about missing out on seeing James. As the curtain went down and the lights came up, however, I was on my feet, whooping and hollering for the Genie. He had absolutely nailed the role, and walking back to the train station afterward, I realized what a mistake I'd made in judging him before I watched him. I was wrapped up in his performance from the minute the show began, and although I didn't get to see the Tony-winning stylings of Mr. Iglehart, I got to experience a whole new world of Aladdin with Major bringing his own little bits of improvisation and comedy to the role. Plus, I got to see a show that many people have not had the chance to see; because James took on the Genie practically every night of the week, Major hardly ever got a chance to perform. For all I know, this could have been his first Friday night crowd ever. I sincerely hope that he is able to take on the Genie more regularly, as he absolutely killed it!

The moral of the story, then, is to never underestimate the understudy. He or she was given that role for a reason, perhaps seconded only because the primary actor is well-known. Whatever the case may be, he or she has rehearsed, practiced, and perfected the part as much as--if not more than--the original cast member, so that he or she is ready at a moment's notice to step into the role and knock it out of the park. And if the person you're watching step up to the plate is unknown now, he or she could end up being the biggest star on Broadway in a few years--and then you can say that you liked him or her before he or she was famous! Even if you were looking forward to seeing a specific someone portray a character, take a chance on his or her understudy. Who knows? You may even end up liking the show more with that person starring than you would have otherwise.



Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

187552
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

13183
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

456579
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

25827
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments