I Wasn't On Stage When the Fall Occurred... (August 17)
i need to preface this blog by saying he is okay. in case his parents are reading this before he is able to call them and let them know that he is stable and going to be absolutely fine. he is in capable hands and everyone is making sure that he gets everything looked at gets home safely and securely.
that being said...
in the second act tonight, there was a glitch with the automation right before the "Winter" section of the show. the microphone lift opened downstage and Erich Bergen was standing right on it and fell in. He hurt his back and ankle and though he got out of the lift and attempted to continue, Chris had to stop the show because Erich couldn't go on.
they announced that there would be a pause in the show while they worked out issues backstage. poor Erich limped backstage and all but collapsed into a chair. i wasn't on stage when the fall occurred, but it sounded pretty bad and honestly, i think the shock more than anything was affecting him. shit, how would you feel when you are dancing and the floor just opens up under you...? everyone backstage was incredible in that stage management, company management and all the heads of every department were there in moments to make sure he was okay and what the next step was.
Lori (our 2nd stage manager) turns to me and asks me to get ready to finish the show for Erich and that Taylor had already been notified to get in costume to finish up the act for me. after a few minutes of costume changing and trying to figure out where the hell we were going to go from, the show continued:
"Ladies and Gentleman. For the rest of tonight's show, the role of Bob Gaudio will be played by Eric Gutman. The roles usually played by Eric Gutman will be played by Taylor Sternberg."
we got on stage, the audience showed their appreciation, and we were off and running.
this was by far, the strangest and most surreal experience i have ever had in my years of performing. on one hand, all i am thinking about is Erich and if he's going to be okay and if there's anything i can do as his friend to help. on the other hand, i am the understudy for Bob and this is my job...this is why they pay me and we have understudy rehearsals...so focus and say the lines and live the part.
the first thing that i think of as we get out there is "there are 2,100 people out there, and every one of them thinks i am too short."
but we did the show. as an actor, it was rough simply because for 2 hours prior, the audience has taken Bob's journey with Erich, not me. so i felt like it was tough for them to suspend their disbelief because let's face it, for 2 hours they have only known me in my ensemble parts. funniest thing is within 3 minutes of re-starting the show, Chris and I do the scene where Bob leaves the group...so that went pretty quick!
in any event, the show went on, they audience got their money's worth and the cast and crew really stepped up to make everything work the best way possible.
i end this blog saying to Erich: my heart goes out to you and i know the last thing you wanted was not to finish the show. you are a true professional and a dear friend and if there is anything i can do please let me know. as of right now, i have no idea whether or not you will be back tomorrow - so if not, just rest up and know that either Miles or I will make you proud up there. we all love you and send healing thoughts your way.
that being said...
in the second act tonight, there was a glitch with the automation right before the "Winter" section of the show. the microphone lift opened downstage and Erich Bergen was standing right on it and fell in. He hurt his back and ankle and though he got out of the lift and attempted to continue, Chris had to stop the show because Erich couldn't go on.
they announced that there would be a pause in the show while they worked out issues backstage. poor Erich limped backstage and all but collapsed into a chair. i wasn't on stage when the fall occurred, but it sounded pretty bad and honestly, i think the shock more than anything was affecting him. shit, how would you feel when you are dancing and the floor just opens up under you...? everyone backstage was incredible in that stage management, company management and all the heads of every department were there in moments to make sure he was okay and what the next step was.
Lori (our 2nd stage manager) turns to me and asks me to get ready to finish the show for Erich and that Taylor had already been notified to get in costume to finish up the act for me. after a few minutes of costume changing and trying to figure out where the hell we were going to go from, the show continued:
"Ladies and Gentleman. For the rest of tonight's show, the role of Bob Gaudio will be played by Eric Gutman. The roles usually played by Eric Gutman will be played by Taylor Sternberg."
we got on stage, the audience showed their appreciation, and we were off and running.
this was by far, the strangest and most surreal experience i have ever had in my years of performing. on one hand, all i am thinking about is Erich and if he's going to be okay and if there's anything i can do as his friend to help. on the other hand, i am the understudy for Bob and this is my job...this is why they pay me and we have understudy rehearsals...so focus and say the lines and live the part.
the first thing that i think of as we get out there is "there are 2,100 people out there, and every one of them thinks i am too short."
but we did the show. as an actor, it was rough simply because for 2 hours prior, the audience has taken Bob's journey with Erich, not me. so i felt like it was tough for them to suspend their disbelief because let's face it, for 2 hours they have only known me in my ensemble parts. funniest thing is within 3 minutes of re-starting the show, Chris and I do the scene where Bob leaves the group...so that went pretty quick!
in any event, the show went on, they audience got their money's worth and the cast and crew really stepped up to make everything work the best way possible.
i end this blog saying to Erich: my heart goes out to you and i know the last thing you wanted was not to finish the show. you are a true professional and a dear friend and if there is anything i can do please let me know. as of right now, i have no idea whether or not you will be back tomorrow - so if not, just rest up and know that either Miles or I will make you proud up there. we all love you and send healing thoughts your way.
posted by The Guter at 8/18/2007 12:00:00 AM
9 Comments:
hi eric, i wanted to tell you how impressed i was by you tonight- to come on stage mid-show and end it with a bang. i understand that you are bob gaudio's understudy, but the thing is, i also saw you perform on sunday afternoon, as tommy. i loved you then (and your impression of joe pesci)and was equally impressed tonight. i saw you leave after the show and wanted to run up to you and tell you just how impressed i was, but i figured you wanted to get the hell out of there. so thanks for blogging about the fall... you know there are a handful of people like who are googling this shit right now.
Oh my gosh! First I read about all of you getting sick, and then I find out that Erich fell through the stage! I'm thinking healthy thoughts for all of you, and I'm glad to hear that Erich is doing alright. I hope that he has a smooth recovery.
"I wasn't on stage when the fall occurred." So you didn't "Gilooly" Erich Bergen, eh?
Seriously, everyone hopes he's completely okay, and we're glad a solid pro like you is there to back up Bob and Tommy. That must have been weird to see from the audience, though. A guy disappearing into a hole that shouldn't be there, and then a new guy walks out to take his place.
hi eric, i sat front row last night. and all i can say is, you were great!! loved you as tommy devito too. take care.
wow! i really hope eric is doing well. it's amazing that you got through the remainder of the show in that situation. you are a true professional! i applaud you and the whole cast for completing the show under such circumstances.
Hi Eric -
Just want to let you know I very much enjoyed your performance in all of your roles on Friday evening. You were prepared and it showed. Best of luck!!
More thoughts at http://rolandthoughts.blogspot.com/2007/08/show-must-go-on.html
Roland
Is Erich Bergen okay? Will he be able to go back on soon
just curious did you perform at the show at post st. theatre on monday?
Eric I love your blog and have read it since you were in SF. We miss you all so much - Erich is the best and I am shocked and pray that he is not injured in anyway other than a minor bruise or two. Please tell Chris that I was in St. Louis two Saturdays ago and saw Jenna in The Full Monty - she was dynamite. Thank you for being generous with your free time and blogging. Lisa in HMB
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