Inside ‘Chicago’ actor’s final rehearsal before suicide

How unhealthy was the rehearsal that some say brought on Jeff Loeffelholz, the longtime standby at “Chicago,” to kill himself? The actor’s handwritten notes, which mates spearheading a “Justice for Jeff” marketing campaign have launched on blogs, describe it as a grueling, brutal and humiliating course of. Loeffelholz stood by for the position of Mary Sunshine, the newspaper columnist who’s at all times performed by a person in drag. Walter Bobbie, the present’s director, allegedly complained that Loeffelholz was being “too draggy,” whereas Leslie Stifelman, the present’s musical director, reportedly chastised him for singing the mistaken notes. The actor’s notes say they made him sing the music “A Little Little bit of Good” a number of occasions, however have been by no means glad. Just a few days later, on June 29, Loeffelholz was discovered useless. However some members of the “Chicago” firm discover it onerous to imagine {that a} tough rehearsal was the one consider his suicide. Manufacturing sources say Bobbie was certainly annoyed with Loeffelholz’s efficiency, however that he didn’t scream at him and made him sing the music twice, not 5 occasions, as Loeffelholz claimed. Bobbie’s frustration, sources say, was that the actor’s voice, after 22 years, had modified, and he now not sang that music with the ability he as soon as delivered to it. Additionally they say Bobbie urged it was time for Loeffelholz to maneuver on, one thing that’s normally dealt with by producers. “Administrators mustn’t discuss an actor’s employment,” one veteran producer says. Loeffelholz had a contract with the present, wherein case, if he have been fired, the producers would have needed to give him a buyout. Among the actor’s mates imagine the alleged tough remedy was meant to get him to stop so the present wouldn’t need to pay him. Reps for “Chicago” vehemently deny that cost. Whereas the rehearsal was strained, a supply says, Bobbie and Loeffelholz shook palms on the finish. “There was nothing that occurred that will lead anybody to suppose Jeff would go house and kill himself,” the supply says. Bobbie has declined to remark past saying, “I’m saddened by Jeff’s tragic passing, for him and for his household.” “Chicago” producers Fran and Barry Weissler have employed lawyer Judd Burstein to analyze the dying. However Burstein claims Actors’ Fairness has “stymied” his probe by ordering forged members to not cooperate. Fairness, in the meantime, is conducting its personal investigation. Producers watching from the sidelines don’t suppose the scandal will harm the field workplace. “Chicago” grossed $660,000 final week, effectively above its break-even level, and is on observe to have a wholesome summer time. Even so, some imagine the Weisslers ought to dispel the cloud as quick as they will. “Do they should throw somebody underneath the bus?” one producer says. “In all probability. However do it rapidly.” Bobbie is effectively appreciated. He’s sensible, jolly and fast with a quip. Like many administrators, he could be powerful, however “he’s not Jerome Robbins, for God’s sake,” says one actor who’s labored with Bobbie. Robbins, the legendary director of “West Facet Story” and “Gypsy,” had a repute for humiliating actors and dancers till they cracked. He couldn’t get away with such habits right now. “Administrators have lots of energy,” one other longtime producer says. “However we’re in a distinct time now. They’re going to need to watch out. Yelling and screaming don’t reduce it anymore.” And neglect about sleeping with anybody within the present, which has been occurring since “The Oresteia” premiered in Athens in 458 BC. That showbiz custom is on the best way out. You possibly can hear Michael Riedel each weekday morning on “Len Berman and Michael Riedel within the Morning” on 710 WOR radio. Share this: https://nypost.com/2018/07/19/inside-chicago-actors-final-rehearsal-before-suicide/ The post Inside ‘Chicago’ actor’s final rehearsal before suicide appeared first on My style by Kartia.