The understudy is the actor whom, if everything goes perfectly, will never be seen by an audience. They are the unsung heroes of the theater world, swooping in to save the day when tragedy or more frequently these days, covid strikes. They are the living embodiment of the old saying: “The show must go on”

On today's episode, Rob Dunkelberger (The Stages of MN) explores the topic of the Understudy with three guests. Paul de Cordova, an actor who has performed and understudied all over the Twin Cities. At the time we are recording this, he is understudying the role of Hercule Poirot in Murder on the Orient Express at the Guthrie Theater. Jennifer Liestman, Resident Casting Director at the Guthrie Theater. And Austene Van, the hardest working woman in theater. She is the Artistic Director at Yellow Tree Theater in Osseo and can be found at other theaters around town directing, choreographing, writing, and yes, understudying.

Twin Cities Theater Chat is produced and hosted by Carol Jackson of Minnesota Theater Love and members of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers collective. As always, you can find the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers on Facebook and on Instagram. Read our review round-ups and go see a show today!