This is probably a dumb question, but since I don't know the answer, maybe not.
Why would a road company, like WICKED, have both a standby and an understudy for the role of "Elphaba"?
An understudy is usually in the Ensemble, or playing a secondary role, but isn't the standby paid to basically show up and just sit around (doing crossword puzzles) unless the lead gets sick or something?
In New York, I assume, that they pay the standby a "retainer" to know/rehearse the show and be available, plus more $ if they actually perform. But, on the road, we're talking about traveling expenses, etc., which makes having a standby much more expensive, particularly when you have an understudy for the part.
Somebody, please enlighten me.
BTW: I'm asking because we saw the standby (Carrie Manolakos) do the show the other night, and she was terrific.
That's not a dumb question at all, DR Druxy.
I believe our very own bk may have some inkling of the "structuring" of the roles and contracts in
Wicked, but... As I was about to say...
It basically comes down to the color of the contract and the pay.
Yes, the understudy is usually part of the ensemble. And, yes, the standby usually just does that: stand by.
For
Wicked - even here in NYC on Broadway - the designation usually means that Mr. Schwartz and/or Mr. Mantello has "officially" approved - or not approved - the actresses playing G(a)linda and Elphaba.
For Elphaba, in particular, they want to have the "depth of coverage" since the role and the singing required tends to take its toll on actresses. I believe the Broadway company actually has a stand-by, an understudy and one, if not two, additional "covers" for the role.
I also know that for the touring version, they've also been featuring different actresses for Elphaba and G(a)linda in certain cities if an actress happens to be a "hometown" girl. I know that Chandra Lee Schwartz just took over as G(a)linda in San Diego - she's from San Marcos.
And as far as extra expenses are concerned,
Wicked truly has money to burn, especially when you consider that they usually sell out in each city weeks and months before they roll into town.
