'Crazy Rich Asians' as a musical? — Page 2

It's such a complicated issue. I think when it comes to musical theatre and opera, people are more willing to give some leeway as those mediums require specific talents so long as nobody is doing black face or some sort of similar practice. I think the issue is complicated because "Asia" is such a Western-created construct to begin with. The people there before the advent and mass-marketing of maps and such did not consider themselves only one continent and are really incredibly diverse in culture, language, custom, color, etc. However, in the U.S., since Asian-Americans are all grouped into one large group, we have to deal with the competing interests but also feel a big sense of solidarity with one another since we are all grouped as the same and we look similarly enough for outsiders and thus are treated similarly. This puts Asian-Americans in a unique position where we don't want to be seen as the same or interchangeable, but at the same time people really care about it because there have been so little opportunities for Asian-Americans in the performing arts like this so every project has to get it completely right, an impossible task.

I do think having these discussions and talks should INSPIRE CRA to be made into a musical rather than have people shy away from it. I think the community needs to have this discussion more openly and individuals need to fully think about where they truly stand. Right now, there's a lot of barking but not a lot of thinking and reflection. Plus, the whole Henry Golding being a half-Asian opened up a discussion people need to talk about with regard to racial purity among many Asians that needs to be confronted. Also, a lot of it come from some Asian men who are the type (not all Asian men) who complain about being seen as inferior and inadequate compared to "white" men and them seeing a half-Asian/half-white man makes them angry. A lot of those attitudes are tied into misogyny, and treating Asian women as objects that they are entitled.

dramamama611 said: "but we're complaining about every movie musical that IS coming in?"

I agree. While it's fun to imagine a movie or book adapted for the stage, not everything you read or see can be translated to the stage, nor should it!

Auggie27 said: "I have a Japanese friend who goes on and on about how ludicrous it has been to cast "Miss Saigon" with interchangeable Asians. This idea that Vietnamese womenand men can be played by anyone from any Asian country irritates a lot of Asians, in and out of the entertainment industry. (Neither of the Kims opoening the show and its revival were Vietnamese.) "Flower Drum Song" was infamously cast in the 1950s with Japanese actors playing Chinese and Chinese-Americans. "

First of all, all people are interchangeable because we are all equal. Then you have continents such as Europe, America and Asia. Each of these continents consists of different parts. In America these parts (lines in the sand) are called states, in other continents, such as Europe and Asia they are called countries. If you have the desire to divide, you could say there are some races, such as caucasian and asian. But that is as far as you can go. If an Asian actor plays a role from a different country (meaning, having the same race, just from the other side of a made-up imaginary line) that is fine, The actor is Asian, just as the role. Japanese, Vietnamese, or Philippino are not races. Just as French, Italian, Dutch or German are not races. That is why Dutch people can play Germans too and why British people can play Americans too.

Your friend needs a reality check and learn about the world before making such ludicrous comments. It is very discriminating to demand people can not play roles outside of their country or state.

Updated On: 9/28/18 at 10:07 AM

theaterwiz414 said: "ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "Jonathan Pryce as the boyfriend?


But actually, I think this material would make a WONDERFUL musical. As long as it has an original score!"

Not every single thing has to Ben made into a musical. I disagree but you are entitled to your opinion."

LizzieCurry said: "You know that floating the idea of one film/movie franchise being made into a musical doesn't mean "everything" is being proposed as being made into a musical, right? How is hyperbole getting your point across?"

Okay, can you please name some original musicals on Broadway that weren’t based on anything, or that have been announced that are original works?



Just take a look at the upcoming productions on playbill.com. The majority of them are adaptations of something else. I’m allowed to think things won’t work on stage. Why put me down for having a different opinion?

Updated On: 9/28/18 at 10:39 AM

People do know not everyone will agree on everything, right? Just making sure....



(and please spare me the comments about my tone)

LizzieCurry said: "You didn't say currently, so off the top of my head...

Urinetown
13
The Book of Mormon
Be More Chill
[title of show]
Allegiance
Brooklyn
It Shoulda Been You

How "original" do you mean? I could include Head Over Heels since the source material isn't super well-known. And hell, even Oklahoma.

Do you count musicals based on stories of well-known people? What about people who aren't well known in the country where the musical is playing?"

I’m 90% sure BMC was based on a book?

The title of this post was Crazy Rich Asians as a musical with a question mark. I don’t think the material would work as a musical. As I’ve said. I’m allowed to have my opinion.

Fan123 said: "Jon M Chu has said he would be interested doing a Broadway musical adaptation. It might be just talk, but still!

"Maybe we combine a Chinese singer with an Asian-American composer to put it together. We have a big band - the band is on the stage itself so you can experience it like you’re at a party. We would have the best fashion. Jason Wu comes in and designs everything. You make an experience for the audience. It would be ridiculous."

https://variety.com/2018/film/news/jon-m-chu-on-directing-crazy-rich-asians-sequel-we-still-have-to-close-my-deal-1202954136/

(BTW, since my previous post I've seen the film, and as hoped I think it does improve upon the book's plot in several ways, eg making Rachel a more active player.)"

I think that would be a great idea and would actually offer Broadway a different sound with regard to the score.