Posted: 6/3/25 at 11:25am
Before anyone comes at me with some of the cynicism some of these boards/threads are known for, this "petition" (which has turned into a word with so many negative connotations to it) is from my perspective as a fan who was hoping that Jasmine, with roots also in Texas in her Broadway debut at 26 years old and having been recognized with so many awards and nominations this season, would have a primetime televised spot on the biggest award show for theatre and the industry so others like me and like her -- who want to see themselves represented -- would see themselves elevated and amplified and showcased... just like the first time I actually watched the awards live in 2008 when I saw the cast of In The Heights that represented my culture, then an incredibly iconic performance from Gypsy that fed my golden age theatre-loving young heart which reminded me of both ends of the classic and contemporary musical spectrum. So bear with me...
This petition may not do anything, if anything, it may just let CBS, The Tony Awards, etc. know that some of us do want to see even the simplest-staged performance that showcases Jasmine, who represents so many people, inside and outside the Broadhurst. And I'm aware it takes money or production value and contracts and unions and glam and tech and planning for these types of things to happen... I'm aware of that because of what happened last year with Stereophonic... and I'm aware because I have read these boards since I was 14 years old (hence my username) and grew up to become a working member of this community. And especially after seeing yesterday's announcement of which shows are being showcased, there is hopefully room for a spot for Jasmine Amy Rogers to represent BOOP!
I'm just coming at this with some help from friends and colleagues and a place of love from someone who just wanted to see someone have their Jennifer Holliday or Audra McDonald moment, especially this early in her career and with how much love she's been getting. I hope The Tony Awards telecast can share a little bit of that with her, especially because it was performances like those where she indubitably saw herself in them, too.
https://www.change.org/p/fyc-jasmine-amy-rogers-boop-the-musical-on-the-tony-awards