[Pseudoscience-is-malarkey (OP)]

If it's opening night of a play or musical and two or more of the main performers are already using understudies, is it a strong clue that it's not going to be good?

[alancalverd]

Understudies are not the same as deputies or substitute players. They are called up if the actor is sick. Blame COVID or falling down stairs. A first-night disaster is usually a good sign.

Not sure how it works on the stage but if you take time off as a pit musician you have to find your own deputy. He needs to be good enough to seamlessly sight-read your part, but not so good as to replace you entirely. Difficult choice. 


Late edit: actors remind me that most understudies are members of the main cast or chorus, so it's more like moving the fullback to the wing rather than bringing a substitute winger off the bench.You still need a substitute fullback, but it means you don't have to have 15 replacements if everyone understudies someone else's part.  Except, according to the Rugby Football Union, you must have a complete replacement front row. So maybe it wasn't a good analogy.....