(Probably. We have no idea if we'll have a multi-year ensemble member or the like)
Shows cast for replacements and tour casts long before they're used. This is for video submissions--it's not an Equity notice and for that matter, they've already had Equity call for the show since it opened. There no question that the original cast is outstanding, but as we've seen when understudies have gone on, the show holds up very well. I've yet to read a review that show sucked and isn't worth it if someone wasn't in. The cast is strong, but the strength of the show is it's material.
You can practically guarantee that most of the cast has 1 year contracts. Some will renew, some won't.
Casts change. It happens.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
And tickets are hard to come by if you don't have a small fortune to spend on the resale market.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
Jennifer, thanks for posting this link, and thanks for ignoring the obnoxious posters who contribute to the lack of civility on these boards.
Posting casting notices can sometimes be a weird thing. Equity requires audition notices even if a show has no intention of hiring people and does not even need to audition anyone. Not saying that's the case with Hamilton, but you could imagine that the producers are eager to have people hot on the heels of the OBC ready to take their place. The original cast will probably start auditioning for their next projects soon too, since a lot of them can be considered hotter properties as being part of the OBC of Hamilton. But you should expect the cast, especially the leads, and LMM, Jackson, Soo and Odom in particular, to stay on through next summer at the earliest.
It is extremely likely that at least some of the cast will leave around July/August when they have done a year. If you want to give yourself the best chance of seeing this cast then you should buy a ticket now, I believe the tickets left for the next six months are already limited.
Because of the difficulty of rapping numbers, the replacement cast have to have an ample time to master them. I read in Javier's interview that the understudy for A Hamilton still hasn't gone on yet (although other understudies have gone on). I hope Javier will take over when Lin leaves, I wonder if he'll take a day off like Lin? If so, who will be the stand by?
Jon Rua is listed as the other understudy for Lin, he was also an understudy for Usnavi in Heights. As far as will Javier take over the role, he replaced Lin in Heights, here is an interesting quote from the BWW piece on that announcement...
"Javi played "Usnavi" in those crucial moments when I needed to step out and watch the show as composer. He's evolved in tandem with the role and helped me to discover qualities and nuance in this character that I may not have otherwise known. I'm proud to be handing the hat over to such a talented man," said In The Heights' Tony Award-winning composer and lyricist Lin-Manuel Miranda."