Controversial high school prod. of "Big River" in Glenelg, Maryland — Page 2

I worked at the Weathervane Theatre in New Hampshire a few summers ago as the resident costume designer. It is an equity summerstock theatre. We did a production of Big River where Huck was african american and so was Jim. The girl who played Sarahs daughter was Asian. The show did very well. Weathervane is very big on non traditional casting. I designed a production of The Wiz that summer where Evilene was played by a skinny white guy in drag. As far as copywrite holders or any other legal issues, this is the first I have heard of. I believe sometimes non traditional casting works and sometimes it doesnt. I do think it is a good thing when people talk about live theatre. I am sure this schools production will reap from the free publicity.

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The comment regarding how white people can't play roles that black people play, but black people can play white roles isn't racist at all.

Annie Oakley, or Oklahoma for that matter, do not approach the subject of race. Most "black shows" are about black people and are race specefic, and ABOUT black people, and unless the show does not call any attention to race, like The Wiz, or Smokey Joe's Cafe, and the like, then it's FINE to have "color blind" casting.

Big River is NOT a "color-blind" casting show. Unless they reversed EVERYONE, then it doesn't make much sense.

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