“Titanic” Sets Sail on Broadway

On April 12, “Titanic,” a parody of the beloved Off-Broadway musical and film, premiered on Broadway. Jim Parsons, known for his role in “The Big Bang Theory,” is at the forefront of this production. However, it’s Tess Marshall, a 31-year-old newcomer, who made her debut backstage, not on stage.

Marshall, contracted as a “swinger,” is responsible for five roles alongside iconic characters like Celine Dion, Rose, and Molly Brown. She’s stationed at the St. James Theater, ready to jump in if needed, while cheering on the main cast from the sidelines.

With performances scheduled until mid-July, Marshall also serves as the dance captain. Remaining backstage during every show lets her be on standby for co-stars who may fall ill. It’s an intense yet routine part of her job.

She’s just one of many dedicated understudies, swings, and standbys in more than 40 Broadway productions for the 2025-2026 season. Understudies not only act but also perform ensemble roles, while standbys are focused on one main character.

Balancing multiple roles is only part of Marshall’s journey. She also teaches voice, sings lead in a rock band, released her first solo album this summer, and even appears in TV gigs and commercials. It’s not for the money—she genuinely enjoys it.

When called to perform, she often has little time to prepare, a common practice in New York theater. “I know many swings who’ve had to perform without any rehearsal at all,” she said.

“A Complete Leap of Faith”

Marshall, who aspires to be a leading Broadway actor, initially felt unsure about taking on the intricacies of her role as a trapeze artist.

“I remember thinking, ‘I can’t do this,’ when I was offered the part in Titanique,” she confessed. “But, perhaps surprisingly, I discovered I was good at it.” Now, she prepares by warming up daily, using a humidifier for her voice, and sticking to a fitness routine on show days.

That said, the physical challenges can be daunting. She performed in the off-Broadway version of Titanique while battling various ailments, including post-laryngitis and norovirus, even getting sick backstage during a show.

Another tricky part of her job? Always being present at the theater. “I’ve been told, ‘It’s time to go!’ with just ten minutes’ notice,” she shared, detailing the unpredictability that comes with swinging.

“Sometimes you have no idea when you’ll be needed. My job is to make sure things keep running smoothly,” she noted. “This means being prepared for anything, even needing to go on stage without a proper rehearsal.”

“Do a Lot of Aerobic Exercise”

Vance Klassen, a 26-year-old actor in Broadway’s “The Book of Mormon,” has been transitioning from ensemble to leading roles since August 2022. He reminisces about listening to the original cast album during high school, almost as if it was a dream come true.

Klassen balances his acting career with a job as an administrative assistant at a real estate firm, diligently juggling his time between auditions and daily tasks.

To remain fit for his energetic role, he works out rigorously—weightlifting and cardio—which he finds beneficial, noting that he can burn over 700 calories during a show.

Klassen also conducts vocal warm-ups early in the day to ensure he’s in optimal shape for performances. “Our bodies are our tools. We rely on them,” he emphasized.

“I Feel Like a Corpse.”

Jerianne Perez, a 35-year-old performer in the acclaimed musical “Operation Mincemeat,” is adamant about keeping herself fit. She collaborates with a personal trainer and follows a healthy regimen to maintain her energy and vocal health.

Perez has had an intricate career path, starting her Broadway journey in 2016 and eventually landing multiple roles in her current show. She was hesitant to audition for “Operation Mincemeat” but decided to take the risk.

After serving as an understudy and performing numerous times, she manages various “survival jobs” to support her artistic ambitions, understanding the financial nuances of Broadway life.

Even when she’s not on stage, Perez spends her time rehearsal-focused, absorbing what the show needs from her, and supports her fellow actors. She recognizes that the audience might not always see the value of understudies but believes they play a critical role in theater.

“People often don’t understand that we’re more than mere backups. We are vital to keeping Broadway alive,” she explained, appreciating the fans who celebrate her performances. “Once, fans even made pins with my face on them. That was such a highlight!”