If there is an understudy am I allowed to ask for a refund on my Broadway show tickets?

Question

Let's say I get tickets to Gypsy. The only reason I'd want to see it is because of Patti Lupone, Benanti, and Gaines. If for some ungodly reason Patti can't perform I'm I allowed to get my money back?

Answer 1

No.

Answer 2

What's wrong with seeing understudies?

If you really want to avoid them, (and i think you're rather a d**k if you're purposely avoiding performances of understudies, and sometimes the understudies are better than the leads), this website will help: www.broadwayunderstudies.com.

It tells you when all the understudies have planned appearances. It doesn't give information for emergency cast changes, like if a lead gets injured or something.

Answer 3

No.  And trust me, the show is amazing enough in itself without Patti Lupone.  Honestly one of the best musicals ever.

Answer 4

No.  If you read the back of the ticket (that's usually where it's printed) it will say something like "management reserves the right to change artists without prior notice," or words to that effect.

Answer 5

No, because an understudy is ONLY brought on to replace the lead in dire situations that are out of the management's control OR because the programme mentions an understudy *may* be used on certain nights to alternate. This is common where children are involved.

Answer 6

Things must have changed a lot.  When I lived in New York and saw a lot of Broadway, there was always an announcement of an understudy performing, and you were allowed at that time to at least exchange your tickets to see the star.