Nikki M James already left/leaving this week?

[shrekster224]

Just checked the BOM website to see if they updated Gertner/Rouleau and Samantha Marie Ware (expected tour Nabulungi) is listed. Anyone have details?

[somethingwicked]

I believe Samantha Ware is just filling in for Nikki James temporarily in advance of doing the tour. Isn't James off filming LUCKY STIFF in California?

[LizzieCurry]

She's been cryptically tweeting about it for weeks. I personally kind of hate how BBB has handled the cast changes.

[bdn223]

You have to give to Scott Rudin for learning from Mel Brooks' mistakes in the marketing of The Producers...although since they never really advertised Andrew Rannells and Josh Gad were predominate in its advertising, it should of been much of an issue outside the theater community after they left, like Lane and Broderick were... Wicked proved that even if your leads were crucial to your shows initial success you can have a long life beyond that and not hurt ticket sales. It might be different since Chenoweth left in July right after the Tonys and Idena didn't leave for another 6 months, which Gad and Ranneells left within days of each other which often doesn't bode well.

[JeanGudio]

Wicked while more than a children's show is suitable for children and fills that void. While there a many shows wicked also has kept up the casts as good solid casts without much of the stunt casting of other shows. I am talking to you rent

[kidbroadway2]

Love the original cast, but the writing is so good in this show, the casting is pretty interchangeable. The characters are pretty much archetypes.

[broadwayfever]

I'm confused...didn't they all extend until Jan. 2013? I guess contracts can be broken.

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/158903-Josh-Gad-Andrew-Rannells-Nikki-M-James-and-More-Extend-Contracts-With-Book-of-Mormon-Into-2013

[LizzieCurry]

They also have out clauses.

Yes, the principals did all renew, and yes, they did make a major mistake in putting out a press release that could not really be guaranteed.

Back to the original question, I think Nikki is only going to be gone for about 6 weeks.

[LizzieCurry]

They also have out clauses.

Yes, the principals did all renew, and yes, they did make a major mistake in putting out a press release that could not really be guaranteed.

Back to the original question, I think Nikki is only going to be gone for about 6 weeks.

[wicked4l]

The contracts were never extended. The press release was just to keep ticket sales strong. They have always intended on leaving then. I do believe that James will be back soon. Per an understudy from the production.

[LizzieCurry]

Wow, that's even ****tier of them, then!

I have to say, I never really believed them when that press release went out the first time. I just hope it doesn't backfire.

[broadwayfever]

Do you know when Andrew is scheduled to leave?

[LizzieCurry]

His last show was yesterday's matinee.

https://twitter.com/AndrewRannells/status/212147925038538753

[Invisible926]

I spoke to Nikki at the stage door last weekend(June 3rd). She said she was definitely returning to BOM when she finishes the project she is working on.

[CurtainPullDowner]

The creatives were smart casting nobodies in the first place. Rannells and Gad are no Lane and Broderick, or even Menzel and Cheno (yet).
Very few care who the leads are in this show. Ka-ching.

[BWJohnson]

Has anyone seen Samantha Ware as Nabulungi? Thoughts? I'm excited to see the show with this cast in two weeks!

[LizzieCurry]

I'm hoping to do standing room while she's here, but I haven't yet.

Here's a nice story on her from her hometown!

http://journalstar.com/entertainment/arts-and-culture/theatre/lincoln-woman-to-make-her-broadway-debut-in-mormon/article_be9f80b8-c4fa-5bb8-aff3-e058cf92cc15.html

[ACL2006]

Ware didn't perform on Tues. or Wed. I guess she wasn't ready as Allison Semmes went on as Nabalungi(per Broadway Understudies on facebook).

[rjm516]

It's so infuriating that they released that flimsy press release when they have absolutely no need to boost ticket sales, and when the vast majority of the audience has no clue or care who the actors are.

[justoldbill]

The actors care who they are, and the show's producers have an obligation to notify the public of any current casting changes (a little thing called Equity). These things need to be done if you care or not.