Refunds/exchanges if SJB is out of Drood?

[Wishing Only Wounds]

I just found out Stephanie J. Block will not be performing Feb 8-10 in Drood (I have tickets for the 10th). I (planned) on going, mainly, just to see Stephanie. I called roundabout and was told (in a rather rude manner) that "Stephanie is not above the title. We only sometimes make exceptions when Chita Rivera is out."

I thought Stephanie was above the title, but the whole situation left a terrible taste in my mouth. Especially that they "sometimes" make exceptions for "some" performers. I could've sworn that they have allowed exchanges when Stephanie has not performed in the past; does anyone have any information about this? Thanks so much!

[nasty_khakis]

I expect the "sometimes" is code for "if you paid full orchestra price or are a subscriber."

I also just looked at my playbill from the 2nd preview. Stephanie IS above the title (as are Will, Gregg, Jim, and Chita).

[Wishing Only Wounds]

Really, she's above the title? Thank you. Anyone know if she was moved below the title after opening?

If she's still above the title, I plan on having a field day with Roundabout and how they blatantly lied about it. I don't use "lie" often or lightly; I'm just dumbfounded right now. They were so unpleasant on the phone.

[broadwaycam]

Not every theater has the policy that if the persons name is above the title and they are out of the show then they will give you your money back. Some theaters have that policy and some don’t. It is not required for a theater to do that.

[nasty_khakis]

I've never had an unpleasant experience with Roundabout (on the phone of in person).

[IMG]

[Wishing Only Wounds]

I haven't either! I've had some form of membership with them for years, and cannot believe the treatment I received tonight! I just left a message with administrative services, hopefully something is done.

[Wishing Only Wounds]

broadwaycam, it is the fact that I was told "she is not above the title" is what upset me. When I said my reason for wanting to exchange, I was told I cannot because she is not above the title, not that they do not exchange for performers above the title. However, it is quite clear that they do exchange for Chita, so I'm not buying that they don't have that policy.

[winston89]

The last time I saw this show, Chita was out. Not only that but there were people who saw that, walked right up to the box office and got either a refund or exchange because of that. So, I find it it odd wishing that they would give people a refund/exchange for Chita being out and not give one for Stephanie. After all, both their names are above the title.

broadwaycam, Two things. The first one is that it is not up to the theatre to dictate who's name is above the title and what that indicates. That job is up to the producers of the show. Secondly, it's common theatre knowledge that if a name is above the title, and that said name is out, then you can get a refund. Like I said, I find it odd that they would do it for Chita but not for Block.

[Wishing Only Wounds]

I called around 5:45; they closed at 6:00. They probably just wanted to get me off the phone, and didn't think I'd follow up on the matter. Regardless, I'm disgusted at Roundabout. Like I said, I've had some form of membership with them for years, and this is the first time any interaction has been negative.

[dtzumbrunnen]

She was above the title in Anything Goes, another Roundabout Production, and I was able to easily exchange for a future date. I think this was a case of just having to deal with a human on a bad day. I'm sure they'll make it right for you.

[mc1227]

I saw this show yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed it. The performers were wonderful but I must say that I don't see where the show would suffer with any cast member not being there with the exception of Jim Norton. He is so wonderful and expert that he steers the entire show. I can't really see why any of these performers would be above title to begin with but understand that Chita, who is a legend,is being shown the respect.

[Bettyboy72]

I think you just got a representative on a bad day. I think you get more flies with honey, so honestly I wouldn't go in with guns blazing. I would explain it as you love Stephanie and wanted to see her. If then they decline you (which I doubt) then get assertive.

Roundabout has always been wonderful to me. I think this is an isolated incident.

[nasty_khakis]

Question: Why do you want flies??

[Wishing Only Wounds]

Thank you all for the responses!

I want to make it clear, it was not the representative, it was the manager. I was put on hold, and then the representative relayed the message. At first, I was told "oh OK, hold on please, I have to talk to the manager." In addition to the message I left, I will be calling again tomorrow.

[Wishing Only Wounds]

I got a voicemail from a manager today; there was a memo about me in the box office when I called back. I was told they're making an "exception" for me. I refrained from mentioning how Stephanie is above the title, as I am grateful, but couldn't help but to laugh when they told me "Chita Rivera will not be performing" on the first date I asked about.

They made right by me, but I don't like that they're still going with the story that Stephanie [not] being above the title does not warrant an exchange.

[Bettyboy72]

Wishing Only Wounds-i am glad they accommodated you! Enjoy SJB. She's wonderful! :)

[Wishing Only Wounds]

Thank you!

[ken8631]

When is Steph out and in? Want to see before it closes, but only if SJB is in....

[wdwfreak]

Stephanie is out this friday to Sunday (8th-10th)

[nasty_khakis]

I'm glad you're being accommodated. It's always best to be polite about things. I wish I had still had friends in the Roundabout box office so I could ask (in a friendly, off the record way) why it would be an "exception" when she's above the title.

[furry_bean915]

They probably also saw this thread. Haha. But good for you! l Liked the show, but l agree, you wouldn't be missing out if SJB wasn't there. The whale cast is very good.

[Wishing Only Wounds]

nasty_khakis, thanks! Yeah, I don't get it. It's disrespectful to the performers above the title who are valued less than other performers (above the title). I'd also love to know why it is considered an "exception". I got what I set out for, so there's no need to make a bigger deal out of it. It's a shame there was even a conflict to begin with.

furry_beans915, I mainly just wanted to see if anyone else had this problem, but I'd be lying if I said that, when I originally started this thread, I was not hoping anyone from Roundabout would see it.