The Covert Report – Week 17
The Final Four
As we enter our 5th month of performances since Opening, things are getting more and more exciting over here at The Shubert. Word of mouth is definitely spreading (keep it up!!) as our houses are getting more and more enthusiastic with each passing week.
The crowd at the matinee today in Shubert Alley
The line extending all the way to the Broadhurst Theatre next door!
Naturally, when you are lucky enough to be in a long running show, injury and illness are going to play a part in the day-to-day and week-to-week. There are 29 original cast members in “MEMPHIS”…..since opening on October 19th, there are FOUR who have not missed a show. Not a single show.
When you miss a show, you get a black mark...
This week’s report will dedicated to those “final four”….with analysis on who will be the last man standing. I say man, because the final four are all male. A special shout out to Jennifer Allen (our very own Clara) who was the last woman to go out.
SO, let’s start with the person I believe will be the last to miss a show….
KEVIN COVERT. Yes, that is me. So what? Clearly my dedication to this show can’t be denied. It’s more than that, though. I grew up in the South..where guilt is a part of your upbringing. Everytime I even think about calling out, I have a vision of my mother standing over me shaking her head in disappointment. Also, I have the fact that I really only dance in Collins Department Store….so my body isn’t going through it like the rest of the kids. Add on to that fact, that I really enjoy doing the show. I would be bored silly if I wasn’t able to come to the Shubert. Also, did I mention that I am nosy and if I am not in the building, I am afraid I will miss something. There you have it. I would also like to point out that after a long and patient battle with David Hyde Pierce in “SPAMALOT”…I was the last person to miss in that show. So, I am a stubborn SOB….If we were betting bottles of brown water, I’d lay the bourbon on me.
Now, to be fair I shall analyze the other 3…..
JOHN JELLISON. Now, if you pull out some older Covert Reports…I believe I discussed Mr. Jellison in length in the first report. Remember, he is the one who has done 227 Broadway shows and stripped me of the Gypsy Robe? Yeah him…he is still standing. Isn’t it enough that he got to wear the Gypsy Robe? Does he really need to win another contest here? Yes, he is super talented and I hate to admit it, one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, but come on. Just know that I know where he lives….I have had him followed…so, I may have to go all Tonya Harding on his ass…..
JERMAINE REMBERT. Yes, our dance captain has been in the building every single show since we began. AND, he goes on ALOT so I have to give a little credit where credit is due….Jermaine is a Broadway veteran as well. He has a strong work ethic…damn him. I suppose he feels some sort of responsibility as well, since he has to watch the show and maintain. Luckily for me, Jermaine enjoys an occasional drink. Next time he is having a brown water with me, he should think again….or at least not leave his glass anywhere near me…..
CHARLIE WILLIAMS. Or as I like to call him…Boo Bear. Charlie is making his Broadway Debut here at “MEMPHIS”….which makes him a little more eager than others. Not to mention, he likes to save a penny…so he doesn’t wanna use up those sick days that you get paid out for at the end of the contract. He is young, but stubborn. He may be harder to take down. He does enjoy going to the gym. Maybe I will get off my fat butt and offer to lift weights with him….I mean, if I am spotting him and accidentally lose my grip…well, what can be done? < /div>
Now, I believe that there should be some sort of reward if you are the last of the final four. I am sure everyone would agree that a nice big bottle of brown water would be an appropriate prize.
I would like to say that even though there are only 4 of us left to miss a show, this cast as a whole has an AMAZING work ethic. People don’t like to miss around here. However, with all the crazy dancing and singing, injuries and fatigue are just a part of the game…
Who are you putting your money on?
Hockadoo!!
-Kevin
Celebrity Sighting of the Week – JERRY SPRINGER was in the house!! And quickly on his feet at the end of the show!!!!
Kev,
You know I love you ( well, really all of the final four), but I am going with John J. And here is why he does no dancing, and thus is least likely to injure himself. You, Charlie and Jermaine all dance and our more likely to injure yourselves, not that I am wishing that on any of you.
If I am wrong, I will gladly buy you your brown water of choice, so keep us posted.
Comment by raellen — February 17, 2010 @ 6:30 pm