Question about Porgy and Bess & Audra McDonald

[BWAY_Rob]

I am planning a trip to NYC from 5/23 - 5/27. One of the shows I am interested in seeing is Porgy and Bess, mainly to see Audra McDonald. Does she go on for every performance or does someone cover matinees? The two days I have free are Wednesday and Saturday and I am concerned that she may not go on for matinee if she performs in the evening or the evening if she performs in the matinee. Any information would be much appreciated.

[rjm516]

I think she is on for every performance barring illness and the like.

[JBroadway]

Yes, I believe rjm516 is right. There is no alternate listed, so it is assumed that she would not plan to miss a performance. It is unlikely, but If there happens to be an understudy the day you go, I think you can get your money back because her name is above the title. In my PERSONAL opinion, though, as amazing as Audra is, the show would still be worth seeing without her :)

[broadwaydevil]

Besides when she was ill a month or so ago with laryngitis she hardly has missed any performances with unplanned absences. She should likely be performing. Her name is above the title so you can get a refund if by some chance she isn't. Also, I may be wrong but I think during those days Tony voters are still allowed to be going to shows so unless something is gravely wrong she certainly won't want to be missing any performances.

[jdrye222]

She has not missed a show in almost two months (since she returned from her bad illness in March).
The whole company has a pretty amazing record so far, especially how difficult the show is.
I like to follow the absences of performances I love, just in case I want to catch an understudy, or what not... so I've followed this one... To my knowledge:
David Alan Grier - missed 1 show only
Phillip Boykin - a few days for a cold in March, and just last weekend because of a death in the family
Joshua Henry - 1 or 2
Norm Lewis - missed a weekend in March I believe, but not many other times (although, one time I saw it, frankly, he SHOULD have been out... he was obviously sick)