“At today’s performance the role of Judy Bernly will be played by…”

"The role of Madame Morrible will be played by…”

“The role of Shrek…”

“At this performance of Rock Of Ages the role of…”

You know the rest. It’s quite a big job to cover any leading role on Broadway. Between the makeup, costumes, and all the extra rehearsals, these understudies are in the wings ready for anything. I’ll never forget being at a matinee of Annie Get Your Gun when Reba McEntire was out and the entire audience literally moaned when they announced that my friend Karyn was going on that day as Annie Oakley. Not fun to hear that before you have to go out and carry an entire show. It’s really the thing nightmares are made of. How many times have you dreamed that you’re on stage and have no idea what you’re doing and everyone around you is pushing and shoving you around stage? Scary. So, better learn what you’re doing.

I recently saw 9 to 5 when my friend Gaelen Gilliland went on for Stephanie J. Block as Judy. I was utterly impressed with how she seamlessly slipped right into the role. She looked flawless and sounded great… and Miss Stephanie J. ain’t an easy act to follow! Gaelen is no stranger to jumpin’ into the heals of a Diva or two. We did Legally Blonde together… she was Elle’s boozy mom. She also covered Paulette, Enid, and Vivian… and went on for all three roles in one week. Let’s just say Vivian got a little confused about who she was supposed to be in love with that week! At Wicked she covered Madame Morrible. Gaelen’s a pro from way back.

In my experience, understudying, covering, and swinging are the hardest jobs on Broadway.You get very little rehearsal or praise and a lot is expected of you. I remember once in La Cage, Danny Davis who played George had lost his voice. Halfway through the show he decided he “simply couldn’t go on," and actually stopped the show mid-number to announce his condition to the audience. (I guess I would rather have someone be honest and call out, then make the audience suffer through a clunky performance.) The clincher is that we were still in previews and the understudy, John Hilner, hadn’t had a single rehearsal (cue the underwear change)!

I was waiting off-stage ready to make an entrance on a bike (like I do) and Jerry Mitchell ran up to walk John through some basic staging. I was nervous but excited to see how this would all play out. It always spices up an eight show/week schedule when someone new goes on. I was floored by how well he did. Not only did he know his lines, he didn’t get smacked by any of the moving scenery - not to mention the flying Cagelles. That’s some courage my friends. I would have run out the stage door "... good luck with the show.”

Of course any actor wants to either originate a role or take over for someone permanently. Until then, you gotta do your best and cover your bases. So, I applaud all understudies, swings and covers who wait patiently in the wings ready to HIT it! Next time you see an understudy go on in a leading role or the ensemble, go ahead and give them a little extra love.