Breaking legs

Quick — name this actor.

I’m guessing most of you can’t.  Only the most insider of Broadway theatergoers will recognize him.

But give it some time — this understudy just got his big break:

Michael McKean’s leg.

James Lecesne, an understudy in the play The Best Man on Broadway, was tapped to replace the This is Spinal Tap legend after he was struck by a car and broke his leg on New York’s Upper West Side last Tuesday.

James got the news a couple of hours before showtime and, after making sure someone would walk his dog — I like him already — headed right to the theater.  Understudies rehearse their parts once a week, but many never go on.

Ever.

I met Vanessa Redgrave’s understudy for A Year of Magical Thinking a few years ago in Central Park.  She never went on, and yet knew that entire one-woman show.

Just in case.

So, while I would never wish an accident on anyone, I’m glad this one was a ‘lucky break’ for James Lecesne –

A Broadway star!