Audra returns to Porgy and Bess

[behindthescenes2]

So, she was in Tuesday, but barely because she couldn't decide if she was sick or stuck in traffic, she was out both shows on Wednesday, but made it for Thursday only because Norm Lewis was back from filming a show, she doesn't want to work with the understudies and swings...they are not up to her standards of performance, so she is now being conveniently sick when the understudies go on...so, the show doesn't go on after all.

[Wynbish]

[behindthescenes2]

Too little (way too little in actual show time) too late - the producers on this show are so damn cheap that the cast will not get a closing night party - no money. It was like when they did the opening night party and forced the cast to go down to Sleep No More venue and have the party there with strangers and had to shut down early (some or one of the producers produced that show as well) - cheap they didn't want to spend the money. They banked on McDonald to do the show - every show and she didn't and the money will never be made up. This was a broadway debut for many - some welcome to broadway.

[LYLS3637]

Wow. What is your damage, Heather?

Didn't get cast?

[behindthescenes2]

yeah you got me..ooh i am a bitter actor......not, I am just pissed that someone, who everyone declares is the absolute best, no matter what her professional behavior, is allowed to stomp over all the cast, wreak havoc at the box office, and given a Tony award for a show she hardly appeared in - last time I checked Tracy Bennett and Jan Maxwell don't miss shows....., and why do you personally attack me? Could you have a personal stake in this? Reply, please lets hear more of your quick wit.

[mamaleh]

I was quite content not to see Her Diva-ness when I saw the show last Wednesday, although I was sorry to have missed Norm Lewis. However, her understudy was excellent. I can't imagine AM's being any better. I've seen her in a few shows and have never perceived her on a higher level than her co-performers.

[jv92]

She strikes me as extremely unprofessional. The producers make a big announcement saying she's "returning to doing 8 shows a week" (like one is supposed to), but misses a few that week? Jeez! She missed a great deal of the run, especially after winning the Tony when people are basically coming to see YOUR "Tony-winning performance."

I understand LuPone is a friend of hers. Maybe she can give her the "abide by your contract" speech sometime.

[ljay889]

Wow, I'm surprised to see such negative comments about Audra. She's usually worshiped here. Too bad the always professional Jan Maxwell doesn't have that Tony.

[jv92]

She also pissed me off when she said she was upset by Sondheim's letter, using "I've sung 'Happy Birthday' to him more times than you can imagine" as a reason. Honey, I sing "Happy Birthday" to my grandmother ever year, too, and she insults me weekly, and less articulately than Sondheim.

But really, if you love the theater so much, show up for work. If you needed an alternate, you should have asked for one BEFORE you won your Tony. Perhaps she's having vocal difficulty, but she's Juilliard trained and should know how to use her instrument.

[qolbinau]

I think it's awkward that if Sondheim is a close friend to Audra (suggested by "I've sung happy birthday to him more times than you can imagine), he'd publicly call her "Arrogant" and coldly refer to her as Ms. McDonald in the NYTimes. I don't think that is really what friends should do to other friends.

[jv92]

She WAS being "arrogant." He was public about his opinion, but he probably would have told her she was arrogant to her face if he hadn't written the letter. Anyway the letter was an attack on Paulus and Parks more than McDonald. At least, I thought so.

Your point about SS referring to her as "Ms. McDonald" is somewhat moot. He was writing an intelligent, professional letter to the Times, not a blog post.

[jazzynat]

I'm sorry but "behind the scenes" you're just coming across as a whiny coworker who's airing your dirty laundry. If you have something to say to her then say it to her face, but having an anonymous screen name and posting it on a broadway forum doesn't make you a badass. We all have coworkers we don't like to deal with, get over it---

[behindthescenes2]

Dear Chorus Member - which face should I say it to? She has many. You think you know my motivation, that you know my intention and mindset, when did you become God? I don't work there, I never have. She goes beyond difficult behavior. I just bet you are the first in line to let someone know to their face how they are being difficult..hahahaha...I know what I know from many, many sources on this show, at first I thought it was just a phase she was going through, apparently not. If I come across "whiny" to you, you've said your piece, move on to something concrete rather than attacking me personally. You seem like the many bullies I have encountered in show business :) you seem to be the one who wants to come across as "badass." You did not succeed.

[MusicalBoy]

Dear Swing - If the moronic hypocrisy which you're spewing isn't going to end, would you mind at least acknowledging it? Before asking others to 'move on to something concrete' and while you mention 'many, many sources' would it be so difficult for you give some sort of evidence beyond claiming to know everything about Audra's behaviour in this production, stating facts that have not only not been mentioned elsewhere, but seem to directly contrast all other opinions of her as a performer and the impressions which she has given in interviews and to former cast mates? If you're unwilling to give any proof of your wildly inexplicable accusations, could you at least stop condemning everyone else for choosing not to indulge you as you continue to spew your venom. Please obtain some perspective before continuing to, in the same breath, bully and attack any poster who disagrees with your aggressive opinions as well as the actress herself, and define anybody who disagrees with you as 'a bully'.

[behindthescenes2]

Dear Musicalboy - If I am the only one who is hypocritical, why are there no real names from other contributors. The facts that I know are to be true are not mentioned elsewhere because there are consequence on blowing the whistle in the theatre. Look at poor Morgan James as a fine example. If you check her work record on this show, add up the shows missed, that should be concrete enough. Her interviews are publicity-driven for the "STAR". What is she going to put out there, that she is difficult, self-centered and not a generous co-star?" These are not accusations, but truth, just the people there cannot state this publicly. THe theatre my dear is not democratic. I spew no venom, I just report what I am told - I, like many, admired her from afar, it should have stayed that way. When you learn of the real person, many times it is disappointing. Disagree with me, fine, attack me as this or that, or whatever, fine, it still doesn't diminish the knowledge I have and know. Maybe you know her or of her on a different level and if so good for you and the others like you. BTW, if I did provide proof, would you still believe? I doubt it, and if I did, it would further jeopardize the good people that work there and have to deal with her.

[jazzynat]

Besides sounding like a total gossip what do you hope to prove? That you have some sort of insider info? That you just dislike her? That someone else was more deserving of the role?

Like it or not you're the one who started this thread so you're the one who is going to be expected to prove your point and answer to your claims. You know nothing of me, but yes I deal with egos on a regular basis, and no the egos I deal with don't get on stage. But the egos I deal with ARE a matter of life and death and that's not hyperbole. I'm an ER nurse and try dealing with ER doctors. So yes I can deal with "difficult" personalities.

[behindthescenes2]

And you know nothing of me. Life and death issues - wow, a healer oh my. Halo please, we need a halo please and crown. Listen, it has nothing to do with me liking her and blogs are gossip, and nurses are the worst at gossip, except for maybe doctors - i come from a family of those occupations - you are deliberately obtuse or just stupid. You don't get it. The people I know cannot say anything because they will be blackballed or fired - glad you are in the life and death occupation, just stay out of show business, it isn't for the righteous and zealous. I don't have to prove a thing to you. Just go give your shots Nurse Ratchet!