First South Asian Female Lead on Broadway since Bombay Dreams

Shoba Narayan is also the only South Asian actor currently on Broadway. Congrats to her and for making history. Did anyone see her, by any chance? http://www.playbill.com/article/a-dream-come-true-for-shoba-narayan-tonights-natasha-in-the-great-comet

Updated On: 3/7/17 at 09:48 PM

People talk a lot about "diversity" but oftentimes they're only concerned with African American representation when in fact there are other minorities like Hispanic or Asian performers (and South Asians in particular) that have literally NO representation in the industry at any given moment.

I've never understood how Broadway can claim to be so diverse, when the diversity is segregated into separate/solitary shows. i.e. a Latino cast (On Your Feet), an African American cast (Color Purple, Lion King), etc.

That isn't diversity.

I'll be seeing her tomorrow night when she goes on again. I'm excited to see what she brings to the role!

I do hope we see more Indian people on Broadway sooner rather than later!

Updated On: 3/7/17 at 10:25 PM

sorano916 said: "

Side note: what ethnicity is Nick Choksi? I thought he was also South Asian.

"

I think (think) that he is of South Asian descent--someone correct me if you know better. Shoba Narayan is the only female South Asian on Broadway at the moment.

So, yeah, just saw her as Natasha tonight, and man, was she good! Many acting choices similar to Denee's, but a beautiful voice and stage presence that are all her own. She has an even stronger belt than Denee; I would say her "No One Else" was closer in sound to Pippa Soo's.

Lots of friends/family/supporters in the audience tonight; she got a big cheer for her first entrance, and well-deserved huge applause after "No One Else" and at curtain call. Hope to see her get a chance to do this role (and others!) in the future as well.

Nice story and a good message but I am not sure how they figure this is the first since Bombay Dreams.

I saw Singapore's Elena Wang go on as Kei in Allegiance - so I would think that would qualify?

http://www.playbill.com/playbillpagegallery/inside-playbill?asset=00000150-aea8-d936-a7fd-eefc72ea0009&type=InsidePlaybill&slide=7

And for pedantic people - there are a lot of dead links out there about her, but the bottom of this page does confirm she was born in Singapore (and worked there extensively):

http://radaris.asia/p/Elena/Wang/

Updated On: 3/10/17 at 09:50 AM

Call_me_jorge said: "I don't think Singapore is technically in South Asia. South Asia includes India, Nepal, Buhtan and Bangladesh. There's a couple more, but Singapore isn't one of them."

Ahh - interesting, didn't know that definition!

I wouldn't think so, especially comparing the role Marta to Natasha. Natasha is THE lead.

Wick3 said: "That's another reason why I think I enjoyed watching Sunday in the Park with George. Comparing that production to the original back in 1984, the cast is certainly a lot more diverse!"

Ashley Park (Celeste #1) - wow, what a voice! She carries the chorus.

Also, Ali Ewoldt is currently a very lovely Christine in Phantom.

Yup, Singapore is in South-East Asia, not South Asia.

PThespian - I'm delighted that SOR is making casting choices that are diverse but they still have a long way to go before diversity in leading roles can be fully achieved.

Nothing. Shoba and Lauren both cover a Natasha. Shoba did a few of the performances while Denee Benton was on vacation and Lauren did the rest.