A New Age for Broadway - Casting

[Theatrefanboy1]

Posted: 8/31/21 at 11:49am

I'm curious what people think - Do you think with the "new age of Broadway" that is upon us, that we will be seeing less of Broadway favourites or classic castings? (I'm talking in terms of the announced diverse casting, actor controversies, and those who have found a career in the more profitable film world)

- Bernadette Peters (while a classic, do you think she'd be sidelined for roles, especially with the seemingly limited number of roles for more mature actors)

- Cheyenne Jackson (with his quite constant flow of film work and young family)

- Kyle Dean (moved out of NY, new family, new business)

- Alice Ripley (the rumours of her that have leaked recently)

- Jonathan Groff (with film work, and a focus on diverse casting)

- Ian McKellan (with casting, limited roles for age)

 

I'm certain there are others, but those were just the first couple that came to mind.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 8/31/21 at 12:30pm

Here's the thing: we'll never fully know who isn't getting cast because of personal choice (ie. TV and film choices) and who the powers in play choose not to cast. Adding people that simply have limited possibities due to age, have little to do with any change or making conscious choices.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 8/31/21 at 12:30pm

Here's the thing: we'll never fully know who isn't getting cast because of personal choice (ie. TV and film choices) and who the powers in play choose not to cast. Adding people that simply have limited possibities due to age, have little to do with any change or making conscious choices.

[JSquared2]

Posted: 8/31/21 at 12:41pm

Theatrefanboy1 said: "I'm curious what people think - Do you think with the "new age of Broadway" that is upon us, that we will be seeing less of Broadway favourites or classic castings? (I'm talking in terms of the announced diverse casting, actor controversies, and those who have found a career in the more profitable film world)

- Bernadette Peters (while a classic, do you think she'd be sidelined for roles, especially with the seemingly limitednumber of roles for more mature actors)

- Cheyenne Jackson (with his quite constant flow of film work and young family)

- Kyle Dean (moved out of NY, new family, new business)

- Alice Ripley (the rumours of her that have leaked recently)

- Jonathan Groff (with film work, and a focus on diverse casting)

- Ian McKellan (with casting, limited roles for age)


I'm certain there are others, but those were just the first couple that came to mind."

You seem to be conflating multiple issues -- in the cases of Cheyenne Jackson, Kyle Dean Massey (who would never be a "driving force" for a production to happen -- they have each chosen to leave Broadway behind (for now).  If Ian McKellan or Bernadette Peters (or other A List stars) want to do a certain project and a producer was willing to raise the money, it would happen.  Groff will continue to do a mix a theatre and film/TV and pick and choose his projects.  Ripley will continue to work as she had been post-pandemic -- sometimes taking small roles (American Psycho), or working off and off-off Broadway in projects as much or as little as she cares to.

[JBroadway]

Posted: 8/31/21 at 12:45pm

I'm confused by your question. You mention diverse casting, plus individual controversies, plus people moving away from theatre for personal reasons. What do these have to do with each other? And what do you mean by "Broadway favorites" and "classic castings"? Are you asking about the trends that we'll see, or about these specific actors? 

If individual actors have controversies surrounding them, or have logistical reasons for staying away from theatre, then yes, we're less likely to see them onstage in the near future. But there are many "Broadway favorites" who are still working in theatre, controversy-free - so I don't see it as any particular trend one way or the other. It's case by case. It's not like we'll never see another Broadway legend onstage again just because some of them have other obligations or controversies. 

And same goes for diverse casting. Again, I'm not sure if this is what you were implying, because I don't really understand your question - but just because we hope to see an influx of new, diverse talent doesn't mean that other well-regarded, talented Broadway names won't also get work. 

[HogansHero]

Posted: 8/31/21 at 2:20pm

There is nothing new at all in the examples given in the OP. Will steps taken to address the systemic racism that has affected casting for the entire history of American theatre mean that some white people will find it harder to get cast? Sure, just as BIPOC folks have experienced nonstop for centuries, and it's about time. But I don't see any relationship between that and your little list. What's driving your post?