Printer Friendly - Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by dshnookie 2013-02-17 19:31:34
Hey, want to buy tickets for a friend's birthday this week and wanted to check if Steve has any scheduled absences this week that anyone might know of?
Thanks!
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by wdwfreak 2013-02-17 19:35:52
I believe he is out until further notice.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by Pammylicious 2013-02-17 19:44:51
he's been ill. i was there on Thursday and he was out. a friend in the cast said he was sick.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by Kelly2 2013-02-17 19:48:07
Pretty tough to catch this guy, huh? A friend of mine was planning to see Once while in town next week as well, but specifically wanted to see Kazee. I told him "good luck", and am happy to tell him to see something else instead now.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by wdwfreak 2013-02-17 19:55:55
Steve was on vacation, came back for 2 shows, and has been out since on medical.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by Kelly2 2013-02-17 20:21:53
I can't tell if he's one of the unluckiest guys on earth or if half of his reasons for being out are made up.
Either way, hope he comes back soon, seems like many people want to see his performance.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by GlindatheGood22 2013-02-17 20:40:57
Saw the show last night. Understudies for him, Milioti, and Elizabeth A. Davis. I haven't been that unlucky in a long time.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by AntV 2013-02-18 00:08:57
Ugh, I got tickets for the 27th matinee, hope he's back by then. Can someone post here when he is? Do they allow exchanges if he's out?
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by ledcam2 2013-02-18 05:36:49
Yes they do allow you to either exchange or get a refund. We were visiting New York for a few days in early January. We were scheduled to see Once on the Friday night. Steve Kazee was out. The guy in the box office said he'd been in all week but didn't know if he'd be for the Saturday matinee.
We decided to take a refund and took the risk he'd be back next day. We managed to get Premium tickets and he was indeed in although looked as if he had a cold. He sang brilliantly though. Cristin Milioti was also in so we left immediately after the show for JFK very happy to have seen the leads. A great show and I'm curious to know how the UK cast will compare with the Broadway leads. They have a very tough act to follow.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by Colleen2184 2013-02-18 10:28:18
The entire Once cast performed at 54 Below last night, so that's probably why there was a lot of understudies. Kazee was out on vocal rest and wasn't there either. Overall, a really good performance at 54 Below!
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by lenstersf 2013-02-21 13:13:40
Anyone know if Steve is back from medical leave/vocal rest?
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by bjh2114 2013-02-21 13:30:39
Kelly, he really isn't out all that much. He was out a few performances last year when his mom passed away, and now he's been out again first for vacation and then due to illness. He was actually sick LAST year as well, but he actually went on while he was sick. People always seem to think he's out because he says he's sick all the time on Twitter, but usually he goes on whether or not he's sick.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by Kelly2 2013-02-21 14:10:25
Bjh, I don't follow Steve on Twitter. People post on this board quite frequently regarding his absences, and I have several friends who have seen the show or want to who have had issues catching him in. Seems like many people want to jump to his defense when the topic is brought up, which is a bit odd. He's allowed to miss however many shows he wants, but it does make it tough for those who do want to see him specifically.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by bjh2114 2013-02-21 14:15:33
I'm not jumping to his defense. I was merely stating that people on these boards seem to THINK he's out because he posts about it, but the actual number of performances he ends up missing is quite low. I've never seen so many people talk about an actor being out through speculation. It's one thing when it's an actor like Audra who's actually out a ton and it has been confirmed at the theatre. But on here, people always seem to be like "Steve's out because he said he was sick on Twitter" without actually checking the board at the theatre first. That's all I'm saying. He doesn't that many performances when it comes down to it.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by ghostlight2 2013-02-21 14:18:11
He's been ill, very ill, and suffers from Lyme disease. One option is for him to quit the business, but in the meantime, some compassion is in order.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by Kelly2 2013-02-21 14:21:22
I'm sure he must be very ill, I can't imagine any actor, especially one who has had such an incredible experience with a show, would call out for no reason. You can appreciate that while still acknowledging that by the nature of this show and his performance being much-discussed and awarded, many people who are paying $$$$$$ to come see it (and him) want to know if they're going to, which days they can expect him to be out, etc. I don't see any of this discussion as out of line, and I doubt Kazee would take issue with people wishing for more details on his schedule in the hope that they get to see him perform.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by ghostlight2 2013-02-21 14:33:33
I don't know anything about his specific situation, but in the case of Laura Benanti years ago, she was expressly forbidden by her producers to discuss her injury, and also when she would be out. That may well be a factor here.
She was excoriated on these boards, and was unable to say a word about it.
eta: I think this: "I can't tell if he's one of the unluckiest guys on earth or if half of his reasons for being out are made up." is a truly awful thing to say about an actor who has been struggling to perform. Please think twice before you suggest tat an actor who has been diagnosed with a disease is lying.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by Kelly2 2013-02-21 14:38:11
Ghostlight2, you're right. That well may be the case, but in that instance I wouldn't blame Benanti or Kazee, I would find fault with the producers. I find tactics like that to be misleading and unfair, especially when it's completely reasonable for someone to have a desire to see a particular actor in a particular role and spend a sizable amount of money to do so.
I'm the biggest proponent of "take what you get and enjoy it", but I live here in the city and if I miss an actor I want to see in a show, I have the luxury of being able to return without much inconvenience. Most people who see theatre see a show once and sometimes you do inevitably have your heart set on seeing a particular person.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by ghostlight2 2013-02-21 14:47:08
My edit crossposted you, sorry. Yes, I agree that the producers ought not do these things, but they do, because the bottom line is dollars and cents. - but don't blame the actor.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by Kelly2 2013-02-21 14:52:42
I agree completely that it makes more sense for the producers to lead people to believe that the advertised stars will be present, and I'm so fully well aware more transparency on this isn't necessarily great for business. It's just a frustrating situation to be in because it's hard to find a compromise that would make everyone happy. As much as I feel for actors who do have a tough job and a tough schedule and a simple cold can make it very hard to get through a show, I do also feel for theatre lovers and people try very hard to see a performance they so want to see and find themselves missing someone they love without much recourse.
I'll give you that my joke was a bit dark, but it really was intended to be flip, I don't have any animosity for Kazee, just frustration and bewilderment at the situation.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by jansalrose2 2013-02-21 14:53:07
I've nothing against Kazee, just as a disclaimer. I adored him in the show...but at this point are people really seeing the show FOR him? I'd think the popularity of the film and The Swell Season would be the main draws. I know he won the Tony, but I don't think it's fair for people to question a professional who is so openly passionate about the show he's in. His reasons for being out of the show seem to be pretty effing legit...i.e, death of a family member and a serious illness.
Am I the only one who feels bad for the understudies while reading this thread? I know everyone has learned that you're supposed to "want" to see the principle actor in the role, but I don't think it's exactly a downgrade to see an understudy go on. Even if it's in a tony award-winning role.
Side note, I've actually heard really great things about the current understudies. If people are paying JUST to see a certain actor, I don't really sympathize. Enjoy the understudy, enjoy the show. And it's a beautiful show at that, methinks. /2 cents done/.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by lenstersf 2013-02-21 15:19:13
what is going on here? I don't think anyone on this thread is questioning his professionalism or passion for this show. If he's sick, he should be taking time off. Yes, I want to see the actor in the role that he won a Tony for. I just want to know if he's back so that I can plan accordingly.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by jansalrose2 2013-02-21 15:25:52
I was more questioning the people questioning Steve Kazee. I don't think an actor calling out due to a legitimate medical condition is unprofessional. I'd call that responsible.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by Kelly2 2013-02-21 15:27:18
"If people are paying JUST to see a certain actor, I don't really sympathize. Enjoy the understudy, enjoy the show"
Really? People aren't allowed to be fans of actors and want to see them now, that's not okay? Sorry, I've been seeing shows in New York since I was a little girl, and there are actors I've come to adore and have followed their careers over the years. There's absolutely nothing wrong with going to a show and wanting to see a specific performance. I hate this constant line about how that's somehow lesser-than or inappropriate.
I agree that expressing discontent with seeing understudies isn't exactly appropriate, but no one in this thread is trashing the understudies. I've had many wonderful experiences seeing understudies unexpectedly, but if there is someone I am a particular fan of who is out, I'm happy to see the understudy but typically will go back again at a later date to see whoever it may be that I was hoping to see. My point was most people who see shows don't have that luxury, and there's nothing wrong with wanting to attempt to choose a performance where Kazee or anyone else they wish will go on.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by jansalrose2 2013-02-21 15:37:12
I didn't say people don't have the right to be disappointed. I guess I've just seen some gross behavior by people in response to an actor not being in a show. Not necessarily in this case, but the entitlement is sometimes outrageous...as if it's personal. I've had my share of 'waaaa' moments over seeing an understudy slip, but I don't let it destroy the show for me. Unless the show sucks :).
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by AntV 2013-02-23 10:53:44
To get a refund or exchange if he isn't in you have to go to the box office in person? I called their number, but it just goes to Telecharge and they say they haven't had any notices of him being out recently. There is no way to call the box office?
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by SimpleJoysHaveSimpleVoice 2013-02-23 15:03:55
So is Steve on or off right now? Gonna be in NYC next week...need to know.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by Kelly2 2013-02-23 15:06:26
Walked by the theatre today, Kazee is still out.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by lenstersf 2013-02-23 19:15:51
The box office person said he has some vocal cord issue and doesn't know when he'll be back...
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by CurtainPullDowner 2013-02-23 19:37:46
Sounds like a wimp.
Ms Audra went on when her Dad passed.
Does Lyme affect the vocal chords?
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by nytallguy 2013-02-23 19:57:02
Very admirable that Audra went on (opposite Steve K, btw) after her Dad passed away.
But what about the numerous performances she's missed in other productions? Most recently, Porgy and Bess.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by CurtainPullDowner 2013-02-23 21:10:07
IDK
Unfortunately, Kazoo was "in" the night I saw 110.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by ghostlight2 2013-02-23 21:20:31
"Sounds like a wimp.
Ms Audra went on when her Dad passed.
Does Lyme affect the vocal chords?"
Lyme disease symptoms can include: severe joint pain and swelling. Knees are especially likely to be affected, but the pain can shift from one joint to another.
Neurological problems can include inflammation of the membranes surrounding your brain (meningitis), temporary paralysis of one side of your face (Bell's palsy), numbness or weakness in your limbs, and impaired muscle movement.
Heart problems, such as an irregular heartbeat. Eye inflammation. Liver inflammation (hepatitis). Severe fatigue.
Yeah, Kazee really sounds like a wimp alright, and you sound like a twat. Seriously, STFU.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by Princeton78 2013-02-23 21:28:38
I love Audra, but she has a much more spotty record than Kazee...who also went on right after his mother died. Audra also suffers from "I do a show until I win a Tony, then I dash" syndrome. There's no doubt in my mind that if he could humanly do the show, he'd do the show.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by ghostlight2 2013-02-23 21:50:21
"IDK
Unfortunately, Kazoo was "in" the night I saw 110."
Geez, my heart goes out to you. I wonder if there's any kind of cure for the nasty sort of disease that causes you to demean others and mock their illnesses and misspell their names that you seem to be infested with?
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by theaternut 2013-02-23 22:14:35
Beyonce was going to see it. But not without Kazee.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by CurtainPullDowner 2013-02-23 22:50:10
I call him Kazoo because the eees on my keyboard don't work.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by Auggie27 2013-02-24 13:26:33
These discussions always run toward two schools of thought, i.e. that the actor "should" be more responsible/disciplined, or the audience "should" be more/less understanding.
Many of us who have posted here since day one recall the first occasion to provoke this topic: Donna Murphy's numerous absences from WONDERFUL TOWN. The debate grew heated and went on for months. Without resolution.
Because there is no consensus-based resolution.
The bottom line is very simple: a ticket holder is a consumer, someone who purchased a seat with expectation. No one set of "shoulds" can be applied to consumers. Consumers need not accept anyone's specific idea of theatrical ethics or standards of professional discipline. None of that is the consumer's business. If you pay to see Mr. Zazee in ONCE, you are entitled to have an opinion about the performance without him. And an individual, highly subjective take on what his absence means. It's that fundamental. The expectation that one "should" stick around and honor an understudy, or not, has nothing to do with purchasing admission to a performance. The consumer is right to stay or to leave, based entirely on personal preference.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by mikem 2013-02-24 14:12:51
I'm not sure how Steve Kazee got this reputation for being a slacker. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but if I remember correctly, I don't think he was out of the show at all, except for the few days around his mother's death, for the first seven months of the show (through Sept). Maybe a sick day or two, but nothing more than that as far as I know.
In the last 5 months of his year-long contract, he's taken 2 vacation weeks (as everyone is entitled per Equity in a 12-month period, and which he announced via Twitter), a smattering of personal days (at least some of which were also announced), and had two apparently-legitimate illnesses. So he has been out quite a bit, but they seem like legit reasons to me. Sure, it stinks if he is out (I would have been very disappointed if he wasn't there when I saw the show), but I'm not sure how that equates to his not taking his job seriously. Until this most recent illness, I would say Cristin Milioti and Elizabeth A Davis have been out more (Davis in particular seems to be out a lot -- she was out on Saturday as well), but no one is making comments about them.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by CurtainPullDowner 2013-02-24 15:26:44
I dont think he has a reputation as a slacker at all.
I like to tease because I'm no fan and I think he's overated, he had a pretty good record till recently.
I'm not saying it's happened with Kazoo but a TONY can swell a head, Like Olivo, who had lots of troubles after winnng.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by wdwfreak 2013-02-24 17:47:55
Steve's condition is not a result of the Lyme disease, which I believe by now he should be cleared from if taken antibiotics for it.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by wdwfreak 2013-02-24 17:47:56
Steve's condition is not a result of the Lyme disease, which I believe by now he should be cleared from if taken antibiotics for it.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by TFMH18 2013-02-24 18:42:50
He hasn't tweeted or instagrammed in over a week. If you follow him then you know this is VERY unlike him... Hope he's okay
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by Pammylicious 2013-02-24 19:01:14
Just happened to be backstage at the Jacobs last night before the performance. The cast knows just as much as we do.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by ghostlight2 2013-02-24 19:52:25
Deleted as per offline discussion.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by dramamama611 2013-02-24 19:55:29
And Lyme disease often is not treated as simply as anti-biotics. Effects from it can linger for many months -- for some, the effects may never disapate!
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by grumpyoptimist 2013-02-24 20:16:40
"I'm not saying it's happened with Kazoo but a TONY can swell a head, Like Olivo, who had lots of troubles after winnng." Olivo broke her foot and tore ligaments. Onstage, during a performance. Definitely a slacker.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by wdwfreak 2013-02-24 20:20:58
Ok, well he was getting treated for it, but what happened to him now is not related to it. Fact.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by ghostlight2 2013-02-24 20:25:30
Deleted as per off-line discussion.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by grumpyoptimist 2013-02-24 23:26:43
"I would say Cristin Milioti and Elizabeth A Davis have been out more (Davis in particular seems to be out a lot -- she was out on Saturday as well), but no one is making comments about them."
Elizabeth A. Davis is performing at the Cherry Lane in Joe, a play she wrote (mentored by Enda Walsh), through March 2. I presume she's been using her vacation days or has the blessing of Once's management.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by dramamama611 2013-02-25 02:27:24
Oh, silly Grumpy -- don't you know, folks that like to complain could care less if absences are condoned by the producers! How dare actors arrange to perform anything else during a contracted run. (Oh, there REALLY needs to be a 'sarcastic font'.)
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by BigCheeser 2013-02-25 16:43:34
Was very impressed by Steve K when we met him at stage door last year - he spent a lot of time chatting to some aspiring actors about the effort involved in stage as a career - he came across as a really nice, hard working, committed guy
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by TFMH18 2013-02-25 17:51:19
Steve Kazee is a GEM who loves his job and gives it 110% unconditionally. Anyone who says otherwise can and should shut the F up
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by grumpyoptimist 2013-02-25 22:08:00
Dramamama, I'd feel really bad if I've unknowingly outed her when she's been claiming the flu the last couple weeks, I sure do hope she told them 
TFMH18 & BigCheeser, I got to go backstage last year after a show (was with a friend whose brother knew a cast member) and the entire cast was absolutely wonderful and down to earth...when Steve was leaving after the show he recognized us (well, he probably recognized my two hot actress friends) and chatted with us a bit more. Even though we were keeping him from leaving and hitting the subway. Truly a nice guy.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by TFMH18 2013-02-28 21:06:59
Okay I'm getting very concerned. Can we get some confirmation that HE IS ALIVE?!?
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by dramamama611 2013-03-01 05:23:37
He's on vocal rest.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by grumpyoptimist 2013-03-07 01:22:03
At the risk of re-starting the extraneous chatter, anyone know if Steve Kazee has returned to the show yet?
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by AntV 2013-03-07 01:38:19
Does anyone else think he won't be able to return at all?
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by dramamama611 2013-03-07 05:53:08
Since we don't know what is actually WRONG with him, how could we begin to guess that?
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by catalana2 2013-03-07 08:37:57
Have tickets to tonight. Will be very disappointed if I flew across the country expecting to see Steve and get an understudy. But will update. I'm sure the show will be wonderful no matter.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by ACL2006 2013-03-07 12:38:06
he was still out as of Sunday(March 3). Can't say if he's been in or out this week or not.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by catalana2 2013-03-09 16:08:04
Sorry for the delay! On Thursday he was still out. Ben Hope was the only understudy. I was pretty happy with his performance, having seen Steve. Surprised his voice was so high though. Very musically talented and good connection with the rest of the cast.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by grumpyoptimist 2013-03-09 21:33:33
I saw Ben Hope when I was in NYC about a month ago (fifth time I've seen the show, first with any stand-by/understudies). I thought he did an excellent job, almost seamless...
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by Dean 2013-03-10 09:30:50
I wish we could hear how he is doing. The weeks of absences and the silence on his usually active Twitter account are actually scary for me at this point. Some public statement updating us on his health would be welcome.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by dramamama611 2013-03-10 09:37:13
That would be up to Kazee. The production isn't going to reveal any sort of personal information. It is not beyond reason that the production has asked him to refrain from posting, if they are concerned that it might affect sales.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by ACL2006 2013-03-10 16:46:07
according to his twitter, J. Michael Zygo was on as Guy for today's matinee(Sun.). I would assume that since Kazee's been out for over three weeks now that Zygo & Ben Hope must be rotating the role.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by Tag 2013-03-11 09:16:09
Regardless of what happened to him, this whole situation has been a huge fail for the Once producers and press reps. Four weeks later and no statement?!
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by DAME 2013-03-11 17:48:17
"Regardless of what happened to him, this whole situation has been a huge fail for the Once producers and press reps. Four weeks later and no statement?!"
Looking at the numbers I don't think the producers are sweating it too much. Hope he is getting his act together. I really like him.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by DAME 2013-03-11 17:49:20
And I really don't see a problem. None what so ever.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by dramamama611 2013-03-11 17:52:14
And yes, I agree that as long as it's not affecting the box office, it's not a problem for the producers, either. The percentage of people that know/care whether they see him or the understudy is pretty small.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by DAME 2013-03-11 18:28:27
Dean.... trying to pm you. It says you do not accept private messages.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by grumpyoptimist 2013-03-15 08:53:46
Bumping this...any revised news as to whether he has made it back this week?
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by shocowo 2013-03-15 09:00:20
I'll be there on Sunday and will report back, unless someone else beats me to the punch.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by Daytripper2 2013-03-15 09:39:23
Duplicate.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by Daytripper2 2013-03-15 09:39:24
He was still out as of Tuesday night.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by TFMH18 2013-03-15 13:52:53
Won't say who/what/where, but I just heard from a very reliable source that he blew out his voice and he's out permanently. So devastating. Feeling very lucky I had the opportunity to see him in this show, he was/is sublime
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by GlindatheGood22 2013-03-15 15:13:07
If that's true, then I'm sorry to hear it. What a terrible way to end a run. Wish I could have seen him.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by WickedOne2 2013-03-15 16:08:42
I hope this isn't true. His performance was incredible and he was such a sweetheart after the show.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by ACL2006 2013-03-16 00:39:39
such a shame. I would imagine they're looking for an immediate replacement as Hope/Zygo are still covering the role.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by shocowo 2013-03-18 08:35:16
Kinda seems senseless at this point to report that Ben Hope was on for Sunday, but mentioning anyway. I liked Ben, not as strong as Steve vocally, but enjoyable nonetheless.
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by shocowo 2013-03-18 13:12:21
Delete.. dupe post
Steve Kazee - in or out?
Posted by HeyMrMusic 2013-03-18 13:19:59
