An African American Claude?

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An African American Claude?

Posted: 4/21/09 at 9:16pm

A theatre down where I live is holding auditions for Hair. Out of curiosity would it work if Claude is played by an African American? I'm sure he could be, but I would like to hear some of your opinions on it. Also, if any of you know of any African American Claudes please share. I'm black and I plan on going for Claude, we'll see how it all works out.

Funny I really didn't think of my race being an issue for the character until a friend pointed out the role is usually played by caucasian guys.
I love the race in theatre conversations, they really do open one's mind.

re: An African American Claude?

Posted: 4/21/09 at 9:22pm

Why not an African-American Claude? Go for it!

re: An African American Claude?

Posted: 4/21/09 at 9:23pm

Didn't an African American play Claude when they did "Hair" on "Head of the Class"?

"All our dreams can come true -- if we have the courage to pursue them." -- Walt Disney We must have different Gods. My God said "do to others what you would have them do to you". Your God seems to have said "My Way or the Highway".

re: An African American Claude?

Posted: 4/21/09 at 9:25pm

Well, he's Polish but hey, maybe his mom was black,
Go for it!

re: An African American Claude?

Posted: 4/21/09 at 9:25pm

Well, there is the line "Face it, you're a Polack," suggesting he's of Polish descent. Although I don't know if that line is in all productions, since the book's been changed so much.

re: An African American Claude?

Posted: 4/21/09 at 9:26pm

I say go for it! If you really are the best actor and singer there, they won't even think about your race.

The only time a race of a performer has distracted me is when a black actress plays a character who is referred to as having pale skin in the lyrics-- like any member of the Sweeney Todd family (though I didn't even think about it when Brian Stokes Mitchell played Sweeney, just because his skin DID look pale), or Cinderella (Really, "Her neck is no whiter than a swan's-- can't that be changed to "her neck is no longer than a swan's?")

In my pants, she has burst like the music of angels, the light of the sun! --Marius Pantsmercy

re: An African American Claude?

Posted: 4/21/09 at 9:28pm

Schmerg, I just watched Cinderella with Brandi and I believe they said "her neck is no wider than a swan's"

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