Bette Midler Confirms Broadway Return in HELLO DOLLY — Page 31

hork said: "I feel like, given the amount of diversity on Broadway and the fact that four out of the top five money-makers feature large non-white casts, that this isn't a battle that needs to be fought anymore, and that producers should be free to cast a show however they want without feeling the need to meet some sort of minority quota. I think there's room on Broadway for an all-white cast or two without having to worry about a potential backslide into racist exclusion. Just my two cents."

In this situation, your two cents aren't worth one.

Also, stop giving Roundabout ideas.

Updated On: 10/19/16 at 05:56 PM

LizzieCurry said:
In this situation, your two cents aren't worth one.

Well, that's your opinion. But keep being rude and intolerant instead of engaging in discussion, it seems to work out for you.

I'd heard people joke that Hamilton fixed everything and -- voila! -- Broadway is finally diverse, but I didn't realize people were even taking it remotely seriously. (Who weren't old white people on boards of directors.)

Are any non-white performers up in arms about this anyway? Or is it just broadway obsessives sat in their bedrooms being outraged for something to do?

Say what you want, I am glad some shows are doing all-white casting- and I am glad that some shows are doing all-black casting- and I am glad that some shows are doing diverse casting. And that is the way it is- and if you do not like it, do not attend the show that does not fit your criteria. I have tickets to Hello, Dolly- and I ms going to enjoy every single moment of it- I hope. Don't go if it does not have black or a racially diverse cast- and do not go to Color Purple if the same is true. We will see if the color counters boycott the movie Fences- with Denzel starring- it does not have a racially diverse cast- let's see who complains about that. Personally, I cannot wait to see it- Fences is one of my favorite dramas.

Updated On: 10/20/16 at 06:48 AM

I know there is a thread to this already but I want to post it here because it is actually RELEVANT to the topic in discussion. Donna Murphy is freaking perfect casting as the official alternate for Bette Midler.



https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Hello-Donna-Donna-Murphy-to-Play-Dolly-Levi-Once-a-Week-in-HELLO-DOLLY-20161020

Updated On: 10/20/16 at 10:48 AM

Even if the "conversation" in question is the same dull thing that happens a few times on some of these threads when casting like this happens? So I'm going to politely ask for you not to drag me into this.



Look, I would rather talk about the production and the actors rather than this whole "white washing casting", I just don't find that interesting. I'm completely sorry if that isn't where the thread is going but that's what I would want. Thank you.

Updated On: 10/20/16 at 11:41 AM

dramamama611 said: "Yes, we do need diverse casting, EVERY SINGLE TIME.



No different then thinking women should be happy being able to go to SOME colleges, or have some jobs. You c A new be a nurse, a teacher or a secretary..but not .but not a doctor, a CEO or superintendent.



Bad analogy. No one is telling anyone they can't be an actor. And producers aren't exactly beholden to the same equal opportunity policies as other types of employers. Casting an actor based on physical appearance isn't the same as hiring a lawyer based on physical appearance. But I suppose you're free to complain next time there's an all-white Jane Austen movie or a production of Waiting for Godot with no women.

No, we don't need diversity every time. We didn't need it in Gentleman's Guide, which specifically poked fun at the English aristocracy, and for which a diverse cast wouldn't have made sense.

Mildred Plotka said: "This entire argument is just ridiculous. Maybe they just cast the best performers for the roles? I don't think there was any ignorance or malice involved here."



Thank you Mildred for that classy response. This cast is going to be wonderful and it sure was more than what I imagined when the show was first announced.

@Musical Master I get that you don't want to be having this conversation but we've got a good chunk of time to go before they start performances and this is something that can be discussed now instead of speculating on what things might be like (which I find to be a less fruitful avenue of discussion because things will be what they're going to be).

Personally, I'm not outraged. I'm just a little disappointed and voicing my opinion that yes, these things do matter, and yes, there are people who will notice, not because they're counting but because it's really obvious to some of us even if we don't voice our displeasure except online and among friends.

Mildred Plotka said: "This entire argument is just ridiculous. Maybe they just cast the best performers for the roles? I don't think there was any ignorance or malice involved here. "

You don't necessarily need to be ignorant or malicious to get a whitey white cast like... well, actually, you do need to be a little ignorant, but you could be a totally nice person too.



brian1973 said: "Are any non-white performers up in arms about this anyway? Or is it just broadway obsessives sat in their bedrooms being outraged for something to do?"

The latter group has less to lose by being outspoken.

Updated On: 10/20/16 at 03:23 PM

What is it about arguments for more diverse casting that irk you so much, exactly?

Updated On: 10/20/16 at 03:55 PM

Kad said: "What is it about arguments for more diverse casting that irk you so much, exactly?




Because your response seems to be mostly "you people already have enough so shut up."




If you were asking me that question I'll be more than happy to answer that: it's because it's the same old thing over and over and over again that I get bored/irritated easily. Now don't get me wrong at all, I would really love to see a rainbow cast in Hello, Dolly but when the "white washing, more diversity" argument happens and people criticize the producers and crew for being so called "clueless" and "racist", even long before the show has opened, I get a little peeved and mad. I hope that clears up with how I'm feeling about this whole thing.



If there is a good thing I can find from all of this, I'm quite surprised that no one here has mentioned that a good number of the ensemble are different races so the revival isn't entirely white.

Updated On: 10/20/16 at 04:11 PM