RANT: So no Usher? Give me my refund!

Last week, five-time Grammy Award winner Usher has been out with strep-throat infection, so he cannot perform for the Tony-winning revival of Chicago. With his sickness getting worse, he could not finish his final week.

As a result of his early departure, theatregoers asked for their ticket refunds back, and the production lost an estimated $400,000 in potential revenues. Chicago producer, Barry Weissler, told the NY daily, "We never expected this. He was very sick last week, and it's just gotten worse. Unfortunately, he won't be coming back."

Naturally, when an above-the-title star is absent from a production, theatregoers are entitled to either a refund or a chance to exchange their tickets for another performance.

Despite Usher's early exit, the production earned about $1.7 million.

Understandbly, when well-known actors and actresses feature themselves in a Broadway musical, tickets to these shows sell out pretty quickly. Examples include Usher for Chicago and Nathan Lane & Matthew Broderick for the Producers.

However, it would seem that when a popular actor or actress leaves the show for personal or for sickness, tickets are refunded, and attendance drops. Obviously.

Yet, this "celebrity" factor is probably detrimental to the Broadway musical industry.

Sometimes, the whole musical is not dependent on one person alone. You got the rest of the cast, production crew, orchestra, and staff. Can we just appreciate the fact that we are attending a great musical and not basing our decision solely on the lead actor or actress?

It was unfortunate for Usher to be unable to perform during his last week, but if you refunded your ticket just because of him, then I really feel sorry for you. There was an understudy for Usher, and getting your refund is pretty much an insult to him and the rest of the cast and crew of this Tony award-winning production.

The show ought to not give out any refunds. The understudy actually did excellent in his performance so why should you feel your ticket was less worthy? How about giving your $100 ticket to someone else more appreciative of the musical group, and rent the DVD instead?

Playbill News - Usher's Early Exist Costs Chicago Box Office Nearly Half a Million