from Lynn Baber, Artistic Administrator

I had no idea.

One of my jobs at Northlight is to cast the understudies.  I also cast the shows, but I do that in collaboration with the directors, and since we work so closely on doing it together, it doesn’t really feel like I can take credit for it.  But understudy casting is largely my own.

In the past few years we have definitely put understudies on.  Scott Westerman went on in Michael Shannon’s role in Lady (a 3-character play) with only twelve hours’ notice.  Tim Gittings went on in the title role of The Miser several times.  The understudy for the role of Joe Kennedy/Jerry in Grey Gardens did the last five  performances.  So, I try to really know what’s going on with the understudies.

I was surprised over the weekend to learn that the understudies for The Marvelous Wonderettes are actually doing the show in the green room while the show is going on onstage!  Both Maris Hudson and Mary Candler are covering three of the Wonderettes’ roles.  We did it that way in the event that if any two of the actresses are ever sick at the same time, they will both be covered.

Here’s what I saw in the green room (actors’ lounge area) during the matinee last week:  there’s a monitor that is showing what is happening onstage and both Maris and Mary are up on their feet, facing it as the second act begins.

Maris:  “Are you doing Missy or Betty Jean now?”
Mary:  “I’m Missy until Suzy comes on, and then I’ll be Suzy”
Maris:  “OK.  I’m Betty Jean now.  Tonight I’ll be Missy.”
Mary:  “OK.  Tonight I’ll be Cindy Lou.”

And then they actually sing and dance one of their roles while watching it on the monitor.  Who knew?

I simply can’t imagine how difficult is for each of these two young women to learn not one,  but three of these roles.  There’s different choreography for each character, and complex part-singing!  Maris knows the highest vocal part and the lowest.  Mary says there’s one song in one track where she just has to come in and get her note out of the clear blue sky.  They frequently mention how they have NO IDEA how they can keep all this in their heads.  I am in full agreement ~ and full of admiration for the depth of skill that they have brought to this monumental task!  I knew it was an important and difficult task.

But, really, I had no idea.