Unvaccinated Broadway actress Laura Osnes loses another job
Follow up to two previous posts.
While live shows are back, many theaters are requiring cast, crew, and staff to be vaccinated. As a result of refusing to be vaccinated, Laura Osnes has already been fired from two productions. She was supposed to star in a one-night only production of Crazy For You in East Hampton at the end of August, but two weeks before the show, she was replaced by Sierra Boggess (The Little Mermaid, Phantom of the Opera). In May, her Disney Princess tour was announced, but in August she was once again replaced due to her refusal to be vaccinated, this time by Christy Altomare (Anastasia, Mamma Mia). The tour was set to begin on November 1, but on October 6, they announced all of the fall dates were being postponed due to COVID.
After being fired from two productions in about a week, she posted an explanation on Instagram which she has since deleted. The pertinent part (note: per the CDC, there is currently no evidence that antibodies made following COVID-19 vaccination or that vaccine ingredients would cause any problems with becoming pregnant now or in the future):
"I stand by the decision my husband and I, with input from our physician, have made for ourselves, our family planning, and our future. There is so much that is still unknown. Someday, perhaps we will feel more confident in the research to consider a different position. With the information that is currently available, however, I have a conviction that I (and many others, both in and out of my industry) feel compelled to stand by."
Full text of her deleted post under the spoiler cut for those of you who want to read the entire thing:
[Spoiler (click to open)]
Hello, friends. I took the weekend to gather my thoughts and formulate a response to the Page Six article that was released last Thursday. The headline accused me of being fired for refusing to get vaccinated. The article reports erroneous allegations that have generated a firestorm of negative conclusions and comments. It is important to me to clarify what actually happened.
In early May, I accepted an invitation to perform in a one-night benefit concert at East Hampton's Guild Hall. A month ago, I was informed that protocols had changed, and I would now need proof of vaccination to participate. I was disappointed but responded that I would have to withdraw, as I have not yet gotten the vaccine. It is also important to clarify that none of my fellow performers ever "pressed me on the matter" before I withdrew. It was a drama-free and discrete transition.
Page Six wrote that Guild Hall representatives claimed, "performers have the option to provide proof of full vaccination OR a recent negative Covid test result." This negative test option was never extended to me. I would have tested in a heartbeat - something I have been doing for months, and will continue to do, in order to keep working safely.
Knowing the issue of vaccines passionately divides people, let me share the details around my current vaccination status. First, it is a legal right of all Americans to have their medical privacy protected. Mine has now been broadcast with an attitude of shame and demonization. Secondly, I believe individuals have the right to do the research, consult a doctor, and come to their own conclusions before deciding whether or not to get any injection.
My case is personal. I stand by the decision my husband and I, with input from our physician, have made for ourselves, our family planning, and our future. There is so much that is still unknown. Someday, perhaps we will feel more confident in the research to consider a different position. With the information that is currently available, however, I have a conviction that I (and many others, both in and out of my industry) feel compelled to stand by.
Covid-19 has negatively impacted millions of lives and is still a very real concern for me. The safety of my colleagues and audience members is extremely important to me. I have been involved in several projects that have successfully navigated production during this time, carefully and completely Covid-free. Venues and artists have proven it can be done without vaccine mandates, through regular testing, social distancing, improved ventilation, quarantines, and other protective measures. I say this for myself and so many otheres, who are concerned about their rights, reputations, and livelihoods on the line.
Every soul is entitled to live according to their convictions and work without being publicly ostracized. My conviction does not discount my care and commitment to safety during this unprecedented time.
The latest job she's lost:
Laura was involved with the Bonnie & Clyde musical from the beginning, playing the lead role at the show's world premiere at the La Jolla Playhouse in 2009, a 2010 production in Sarasota, and then on Broadway in 2011. Although the show won five San Diego Theatre Critics Circle Awards for its 2009 run in La Jolla, it was a blip in Broadway's 2011 season, opening on December 1 and closing on December 30.
In July, a one night only Bonnie & Clyde concert was announced for London in January 2022. Laura Osnes and her Broadway costar Jeremy Jordan (Smash, Newsies, Little Shop of Horrors) were set to reprise their roles. The producers recently announced that she will be replaced by Frances Mayli McCann who was nominated for a 2017 Olivier Award for her role in the West End production of Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour. Her other stage credits include Heathers at the Theatre Royal Haymarket and the UK and international tour of Les Misérables.
The recasting announcement included a statement from the show's producer:“Fourth Wall Live is committed to following all relevant UK Government Covid-19 guidelines, creating a safe working environment for our cast, musicians, creatives, crew and their families.”
The Broadway League (which controls all the theaters on Broadway) is currently requiring all cast, crew members, and theater staff to be vaccinated so she won't be returning to the Broadway stage any time soon. She began her foray into Hallmark Christmas movies in 2019 so I guess that will be her bread and butter for the time being.
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