I have never worked in the theater, but I thought an understudy or standby would be able to cover if one cast member suddenly got sick? For instance, I once saw A Little Night Music (the Sean Mathias production starring Judi Dench) where one of the quintet's voice kept cracking, and he was replaced at the intermission. And I remember other stories of people taking over mid show. I would have thought the show had someone who could go on? Especially only 8 minutes in? I'd be grateful just for information on how this all works at a Broadway house. Thanks.
