Just got back, thanks for all of the help

stlgreaser · Veteran Member

Just got back, thanks for all of the help

Laura Mom · Senior Member

Fun to read your post, Stlgreaser. Max has been struggling with his health and you are right that Laura is thin! The show takes immense energy and the cast must all take extreme care of themselves to be able to handle the pressure and schedule over so many months. I remember Jenny Powers saying too how hard it was to eat enough food to keep their weight on! Laura has always been small and she still is. But know she eats, sleeps, rests, performs, then starts over again. The passion to perform demands that kind of dedication. Nate helps make sure she always has food too--which is a great help to have that kind of support from a spouse. And I know Laura feels more pressure too (rightly or wrongly) when Max is out to try to meet the needs of the fans. She can know intellectually that she can only do so much, but she too feels for the crying girls with the Slacker Backer t-shirts! A year on Broadway is a marathon indeed. I say my prayers every night for blessings on their health and for new strength every morning.

MrE1111 · Guru

Glad you enjoyed the trip. Come back soon.

Jane, how many perfs. has Laura missed? I'm thinking a handful - maybe a vacation week's worth? I know one of the things everyone was worried about was whether or not they'd be able to maintain a constant 8-show-week schedule on their first Broadway go-round. I give Laura credit for being able to do so.

And just remember, for her next gig, Off-Broadway is where the real magic happens!

Laura Mom · Senior Member

Mr. E, Laura has not missed a single performance of Grease except for her one week's vacation. She's the only one in the cast with that record. I guess Broadway will not eat Laura for breakfast, huh, David Ian? She's got every ounce of her heart, body, and soul in that show. Although I say that, I know at the same time that health is an absolute gift of God. One can do certain things to try to maximize their ability to stay healthy, but the ultimate say is up to God. In Laura's whole lifetime she has only missed 3 shows ever due to illness--in fact due to ANYTHING! That is quite a remarkable record. She has much to be thankful for.

greatwhiteway · Senior Member

I have seen the show 4 times, and have also seen other Broadway shows. That show is extremely demading of all the guys, and especially of Max. It is more demanding than any other show I have seen. If you have not seen it Max is in almost every scene, dancing vigorously throughout most ot it, and trying to either sing or talk at the same time. If indeed his health is failing and that is why he is out so much I think it has nothing to do with the fact of 8 shows a week in general and past dire predictions....it has to do with what is expected in that particular role. It is very, very physically and mentally demanding.

Still the show was filled to 100 percent capacity...and still running...where have all the doomsdayers gone?
Congratulations to Laura, on her attendance record, her attitude and her great performances. Hope my kids turnout half as well.

-- Edited by greatwhiteway at 23:28, 2008-03-24

-- Edited by greatwhiteway at 23:28, 2008-03-24

stlgreaser · Veteran Member

I am amazed Laura has never missed a show! I have really bad luck and since she was my absolute favorite on youre the one that I want I was just so sure it was going to be her and not max not performing - but when I saw here there on the stage for summer nights I got goose bumps thinking about how many times I had watched and voted for her on tv and there she was right in front of me it was amazing - and Im over the whole max thing, just severely dissappointed, my mom told me to message him on facebook and myspace to see if he would send me an autograph lol

amc365 · Veteran Member

That is so neat you got to meet so many of the cast after the show! Is the girl in the 6th pic the girl who plays Marty? Are one of the guys the Danny understudy?

Argh · Member

Laura Mom wrote:
Mr. E, Laura has not missed a single performance of Grease except for her one week's vacation. She's the only one in the cast with that record. I guess Broadway will not eat Laura for breakfast, huh, David Ian? She's got every ounce of her heart, body, and soul in that show. Although I say that, I know at the same time that health is an absolute gift of God. One can do certain things to try to maximize their ability to stay healthy, but the ultimate say is up to God. In Laura's whole lifetime she has only missed 3 shows ever due to illness--in fact due to ANYTHING! That is quite a remarkable record. She has much to be thankful for.

As Jane mentioned, there is a certain amount of good fortune that goes with your health holding out to the point where Laura hasn't missed a show other than the planned vacation in Feb. However, some of that does come from the mental toughness that Laura has always seemed to have and it is not anything new for Grease.

Less than 2 years ago (it seems like a lifetime ago though), she went from being in the hospital with stomach pains in the afternoon to on stage flying as Peter Pan in about 4 hours - very few people would have even considered going on stage that night but in her mind it was not really an option to miss as long as she could move. I had about 20 friends at that performance and with the exception of my wife (who saw the show 16 times in 3 weeks), none of them knew that Laura was anything less than 100% that day. It was really pretty amazing.

Laura Mom · Senior Member

I sat in the back of the theatre that night that Argh just described like the guardian mother I am. The director of the show sat by me half the night about as worried as I was. Let's just say he and I were "staggered by Laura" to use Andrew Lloyd Webber's famous terminology. I think it's that same phenomenon that must overtake an athlete when they are able to continue playing with an injury. They get "in the zone," get through it, and wait to cry until they get home (at least that's what soft-hearted Laura did). I think at this level of theatre professionalism this type of attitude and tenacity generally prevails. My admiration goes to all of the performers for their dedication.

MrE1111 · Guru

Boy, talk about "close calls!" I give her credit for going on. You hear stories like that every now and then - but they usually end with the performer leaving during intermission, or, in stranger cases, leaving in one scene with the understudy going on in the next. Kind of like on soap operas when one actor leaves the show and another takes over without anyone else questioning it.

Harvey Fierstein did 500+ performances of HAIRSPRAY consecutively, missing Act II of one show, having left at intermission. I was at an early preview of the 2004 revival of La Cage aux Folles (written by Fierstein, incidentally) and the star, Daniel Davis (Niles on The Nanny) stopped mid-song, apologized to the audience saying that he had laryngitis, ran off, and 15 minutes later, the understudy came on and finished the show - WITH 15 MINUTES REHEARSAL! (The understudies don't rehearse when a show is in previews.)

And now the last story I'll bore you with. The Metropolitan Opera is currently presenting a 6-performance revival of Wagner's Tristan und Isolde, starring renowned tenor and soprano Ben Heppner and Deborah Voigt.
First performance: Heppner called out sick. The understudy, John Mac Master came on, ill, and got booed because he couldn't adequately perform the difficult 5+ hour show.
Second performance: Gary Lehman takes over, but the curtain falls when Voigt takes ill. Janice Baird took over and got wonderful reviews.
Third performance: Voigt and Lehman. In one scene, it calls for Tristan to slide down the stage from back to the front. Well, a thing malfunctioned and Lehman slid down into the Prompter's box and hit his head. Finished the show following a 10 minute break.
Fourth performance: Lehman is replaced by Robert Dean Smith.
Tonight: Heppner's back, but Voigt is out sick.
Final performance: They're hoping that Heppner and Voigt can do 1 show together.

Talk about a cursed production!!!

Maxismylove · Senior Member

Once again I just have to say that so many of you have become such experts of Max and of his health and mostly of his dedication and professionalism.
I think that it is wonderful that Laura has not missed any performances and feel bad that fans were dissapointed when Max was not there. For those of you who have seen the show you cannot dispute the difference in the physical roles of the two leads and the demands of the show.
I encourage Max not to perform if he is injured and especially if he is very sick. It is not worth him getting worse and then missing the following week.
I dont comment on here hardly at all any more because of the way some people post and how you post as if you knew all there is to know about everything.
It is dissappointing when you criticize Max and none of you (none) know him personally and dont know what an incredible young man he is, with a heart of GOLD, incredible God given talent and his family could not be more proud of him.
I am excited for him to come home and be around people that love and support him unconditionally.

Eris · Guru

I've been watching a lot of this go on without commenting on it much. I don't know Max any better than other posters here and didn't want to speak out of turn. And I know there's an element here who seem to think I'm seeking something "extra" through Rachel but not only is that not true but I have, mentally, echoed many of the comments she just made.

Not only is Laura's role less demanding physically but she's more accustomed to this climate than Max is. Having lived in a warm environment all of his life he's more likely to catch the winter illnesses that many of us can battle much more easily. And this winter has been harder - the flu has been much stronger this season. I even had a horrible battle with it myself that I haven't completely recovered from and I haven't had the flu since 1995.

Not to discount what Laura's done because it's totally admirable to have never missed a performance. But we also can't judge Max by the same measuring stick. There are just too many differences. Max would be out there every night if he could, I'm sure, but it's just not possible.

And, as was stated before, none of us know Max and what he goes through.

-- Edited by Eris at 04:14, 2008-03-26

Hello799 · Senior Member

I hesitate to post but I feel I must. I have read and re-read this entire post several times and still haven't been able to find where any member has criticized Max for missing a performance.
If anything, there are a couple of posters that have supported Max and his illnesses by trying to excuse him from shows. I'm sorry Rachel if you felt that any forum member (including me) has made you feel this way.
I too just like Eris, don't know Max or his family anymore than the next person. All I know is the kindness that you have shown me from last June.

"I dont comment on here hardly at all any more because of the way some people post and how you post as if you all there is to know about everything." If I were you Rachel, I would confront those people and move on. Its not fair to the rest of us that you don't reply with your personal knowledge and insight because of these few people. I for one have missed reading your posts and truely wish you would come back.

Kudos to Laura for not missing a show.

DogsandBirds · Guru

-- Edited by DogsandBirds at 19:27, 2008-03-26

Laura Mom · Senior Member

I too don"t know what can be misconstrued as criticism or even a "know it all" attitude. Several people have posted missing Max at a particular performance and I made one statement about Max struugling with his health--which I don't believe sounds like I know it all.. I don't hear anyone blaming anyone--simply missing Max and concerned when he's had to be out--and how grueling it is to perform 8 shows a week--week after week..

-- Edited by Laura Mom at 17:55, 2008-03-26

-- Edited by Laura Mom at 17:56, 2008-03-26

-- Edited by Laura Mom at 17:57, 2008-03-26

Maxismylove · Senior Member

My post stated some people not all and it was not just this specific thread alone.
If it does not apply to you then don't worry about it.

MrE1111 · Guru

I have a sneaking suspicion that it was referring to me. And if you, or anyone else, feel alienated because of some of the things I post, I apologize.

Regarding health problems, good that he's not performing ill or injured - singing while ill creates vocal nodes and polyps, dancing on a twisted ankle creates leg problems. And then there's the whole debate about vocal steroids - which make you feel like Superman, all while you're not realizing that you're damaging your throat.

Just don't let the producers talk them into hiding a long-term injury or illness from the audience. That's how catty, bad-blooded gossip gets started. The actress Laura Benanti (now starring in the revival of GYPSY) more-or-less broke her neck doing the last revival of INTO THE WOODS a few years ago and had major surgery so she wouldn't become paralyzed. The injury was exasserbated during the revival of NINE she was in, and she was out for a long, long time, and garnered a reputation of being the "Absence Queen" because the producers wouldn't let her reveal her illness. Same thing happened to Donna Murphy during WONDERFUL TOWN - she became very ill with throat problems mid-run, left the show, and got the same reputation - all while the producers advised her that it was in her and THEIR interest to keep it a secret.

So if you get injured and you're out for a long time, make it known that you're not just slacking off.

stlgreaser · Veteran Member

I also appologize, if I have offended either Jane or Rachel with any of my comments.
I have a tendancy to type spit fire fast and did not mean anything cruel by any of my previous posts.
I am a huge fan of both Laura and Max and am just so excited they are there - I really meant no harm and I appologize, I sing for about an hour and a half everyday and frequently can loose my voice, or weaken it so I know how that is. I am also a dancer and know how grueling it can be and it does indeed take a toll on your body.

As Jane stated, I was simply just missing Max, after having been so pumped to see him after waiting almost a year since GYTOTIW aired and I have been following him and Laura through their entire journey. I just find it completely fascinated and was hoping to tell him how much of an inspiration he is to me and congradulate him at the stage door.....and its not that I do not still support him at all, Im still a big fan of him and I wish he wasnt going back to LA and would stay on broadway but I will still be a fan if he is on TV or wherever his performing career takes him, as I am sure many other people on this forum will.
And also, I should not have made the remark at Laura being thin.. and I was not trying to hint at an eating disorder. She just looked so tiny compared to what she looked like on the TV show and I have full belief that she is completely healthy and whatnot...how else would she be able to perform as much as she does? : )

-- Edited by stlgreaser at 21:23, 2008-03-26

-- Edited by stlgreaser at 21:28, 2008-03-26

shell8422 · Veteran Member

I think it's a shame that people feel offended by this board. Max and Laura, along with every other celebrity are subject to criticism and gossip, it comes with the job. Honestly I think everyone on the board had been very nice and truly love Max and Laura, I cant recall any nasty posts towards either of them. The more popular you become though, the more likely it is for there to be people who vocalize nasty rumors and you may come across people who just dont like you. I think they are doing perfectly handling themselves and would probably be ashamed to read some of the silly posts that go back and forth on here. I dont see a need to try to make excuses for Max saying that Lauras role is less demanding and that shes more accustomed to the climate make no sense whatsoever. If your sickthen your sick and you miss. Some people are lucky and just dont get sick often, like my family, we are NEVER sick, maybe a simple cold here and there but thats it. Other people catch every bug that goes around, thats life! Max missed a few performances, so what, thats why they have backups. I see nothing wrong with fans getting upset about it either though, they understand that he couldnt perform but they just wished it didnt happen to them the night they were going to see it. I think its quite flattering that Max is on such high demand, people LOVE him!!!
And poor Jane, every time she talks about Laura it seems to get interpreted the wrong way. Parents love to share the things that make them proud about their children and Lauras dedication is definitely note-worthy.
Back to the criticismcan someone please point out a specific spot where any of our talented performers are criticized? I just dont see it. And no, NONE of us know Max personally. I without personally knowing him, already feel he is an incredible person, with a heart of Gold and incredible talent which seeps through. I think many of Maxs fans would agree and support him in ANYTHING that he does, hes earned it!! Im sorry that you feel we think otherwise.

Laura Mom · Senior Member

Shell8422 you take the words out of my mouth. And stlgreaser, I took absolutely no offense about your comment of Laura being thin. I did want to reply that she really does EAT just so people don't worry about that--but the show is taxing and does take tremendous energy as everyone knows and does not dispute. I also actually agree that the roles are much more taxing for the men in this show than at least Laura. Laura's probably on stage almost the least of all the characters--with a couple exceptions. In another vein, I have heard of rare athletes and performers who are born with what one could call virtually genious levels of talent and who do not have to take such a tenacious route to "success." But our family wasn't one of those rare-genious types. We only knew the path of hours and years of perfecting talents and skills, stamina and endurance that kept you going when you didn't always feel like it, and a such a love of what you're doing that you're willing to sacrifice other things in life to "get there." So when I have spoken of tenacity in Laura I do (as Shell8422 pointed out)--do so proudly because I have seen her work SOOOO hard and so continuously and persistently for her dream. But if I have inadvertently seemed to imply by that that everyone should work every time they're sick, completely ignore every injury, and virtually kill yourself for your profession--I'm sorry. I did not mean that. But where is that balancing line between tenacity and stupidlity? There's the million dollar question! That's for each individual at that level to try to figure out and it is very fragile indeed. Mr. E. you made a comment worth storing away in my memory banks about health issues or injuries. Should Laura ever face such an issue I will remember what you said and plant that seed of thought in her brain to consider. I personally whole-heartedly agree with your perception--tell the truth, take care of yourself for whatever period of time you need to take care of yourself, and hopefully come back strong when you're ready. And one last note to everyone on this board: I like chatting here. It's fun. I'm staying.

Hello799 · Senior Member

Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Good for you Jane. It is fun and we like having you here.

-- Edited by Hello799 at 17:56, 2008-03-27

stlgreaser · Veteran Member

I agree! Glad you are here Jane!

Andromytta · Veteran Member

Wow, where to begin, because I feel like I really should say something, but since I haven't been on the boards in a while, I don't want to talk out of turn. Working while you are sick sucks, trust me, I know, as I am in the process of recovering from a chronic, recurring illness, and when you're in management at a grocery store, it's not easy to take sick time. As most of you probably already know, I AM Max's biggest fan, and I was quite lucky to see him perform in Grease when I went to NYC. I do feel the need to say, though, that while I would have been disappointed not to see him perform, I never would have let it ruin my trip. I love theatre, and Grease is one of my favorite shows. Heck, that the only reason I even started watching the reality show in the first place. I hate reality shows! Anyway, while Max winning gave me a great excuse to go to NYC and see my first B'way show, I had always had the hope that I would have been able to see Grease on B'way even if Austin or Derek had won. And yes, there are understudies for a reason! People DO get sick and can't work. Heck, I wish I had an understudy! And while I don't know Max personally, I have met him a couple of times, and he is wonderful and sweet and really does care about his fans. I'm sure it broke his heart each time he had to miss a performance. Laura is very lucky and truly blessed that she rarely gets sick, and when she does can work through it. When I was her age, I could, too. And those of us with the ability to work sick are truly blessed. Unfortunately, sometimes we have the tendancy to not be so sympathetic with those who cannot. My roommate and coworker and one of my great friends got bronchitis and missed a lot of work, and well, I was less than understanding, until I saw her. Until we see how an illness is affecting somebody, we have no right to judge their work ethic or their resolve.

stlgreaser · Veteran Member

Good point, I have gotten sick plenty of times and had to miss stuff, heck I got sick in NYC because of the drastic change in temp - I was not prepared clothing wise! I didnt let Max being gone ruin my trip at all - his understudy was awesome and I really didnt think about his being gone except when I arrived and after the show at the stage door. I understand what you mean about the excuse to go to NYC because he won because I would have never have gotten to go if my two favorites from my favorite tv show hadnt won! And I am sure everyone here understands about Max getting sick, I am sorry I ever brought it up, I will keep it in mind to not say things like that on these boards! They always get taken the wrong way!

Nad · Senior Member

I have a question... I am from Montreal and going to see the show on April 25th ... yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I want to know where to go to take picture with Laura and the other member... please...

Nadia

Hello799 · Senior Member

I would think that the stage door after the show would be your best bet. I know they say they won't pose for pics, but they usually do if your patient enough and do it quickly. If you strike-out at the stage door, I wouldn't know where as to go. Anybody else have any ideas?????