How can Leslie Uggums play Mama Rose?

[Unknown User]

Posted: 7/6/14 at 1:44pm

In case you hadn't noticed.....she's black!

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 7/6/14 at 1:45pm

She is?!?!?!? Gasp!!!

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 7/6/14 at 1:46pm

She's also 71. Great Grandmama Rose.

[Playbilly]

Posted: 7/6/14 at 2:26pm

Probably by going onstage, performing and getting paid.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 7/6/14 at 2:27pm

She also looks younger than Patti LuPone, so I think she'll be just fine.

[JRybka]

Posted: 7/6/14 at 2:56pm

Are we still working ourselves over this. Theater is about creativity and stretching the boundries. She is FREAKING LESLIE UGGUMS! She can do what the hell she wants.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 7/6/14 at 2:57pm

Yeah! She can eat a human baby on stage because she's FREAKING LESLIE UGGUMS!

[Unknown User]

Posted: 7/6/14 at 3:02pm

So are we supposed to just ignore her being black? Or pretend there were black people in burlesque back in the 1800's when Gypsy was set? What about Louise and June- I suppose THEY are black too?

[AEA AGMA SM]

Posted: 7/6/14 at 3:04pm

Nope, Joe, one is Chinese and the other will be Swedish. Just specifically to mess with everyone's heads.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 7/6/14 at 3:04pm

Haven't you heard: Black don't crack.

[Showface]

Posted: 7/6/14 at 3:34pm

"So are we supposed to just ignore her being black? Or pretend there were black people in burlesque back in the 1800's when Gypsy was set? What about Louise and June- I suppose THEY are black too?"

First, Gypsy was set in the 20th Century, not the 19th.
Second, racism is not a theme in Gypsy, so why not have a legendary African-American performer play the legendary role of Mama Rose? You should not judge before you even see it.

Also, I think Baby June and Louise are going to be black as well.

You should see it...maybe you'll enjoy it!

Updated On: 7/6/14 at 03:34 PM

[madbrian]

Posted: 7/6/14 at 3:35pm

"Or pretend there were black people in burlesque back in the 1800's when Gypsy was set?"

Really?

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 7/6/14 at 3:40pm

You guys didn't know the show takes place in 1802? And you call yourselves theater folk!

[icecreambenjamin]

Posted: 7/6/14 at 3:55pm

I'm sorry
1800's?
Wow
Updated On: 7/6/14 at 03:55 PM

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 7/6/14 at 4:00pm

Yep! It takes place from 1776 - 1802.

[Showface]

Posted: 7/6/14 at 4:06pm

^ Oh! Now I remember! Didn't George Washington have a solo? I think it was called "America's Turn". Just kidding! But seriously, I can't wait to see her performance!
Updated On: 7/6/14 at 04:06 PM

[Playbilly]

Posted: 7/6/14 at 4:22pm

troll...

[bjh2114]

Posted: 7/6/14 at 4:55pm

I really hope she refers to Baby June as Baby JOAAAAAAAAAN!!!!

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 7/6/14 at 4:57pm

There have been some song changes...
"When Momma Get A Baby Daddy"
"Everythang Be Coming Up Dem Roses"
"Rose's Turn It Out"
"Let My Ass Entertain Y'All"
The changes were made to suit the 1800s motif more.

[Showface]

Posted: 7/6/14 at 5:00pm

^Are any of those songs rap?

But seriously, she will do a great job in the role!
Updated On: 7/7/14 at 05:00 PM

[icecreambenjamin]

Posted: 7/6/14 at 5:05pm

I enjoy the music of the 1800's
it has a pleasant beat

[Unknown User]

Posted: 7/6/14 at 5:20pm

When was it then? I know it was a long time ago- long before blacks could enter show biz.

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 7/6/14 at 5:23pm

Great! Another director who thinks he needs to make a "statement." What we need are brave directors who aren't afraid to cast white actresses!

[icecreambenjamin]

Posted: 7/6/14 at 5:23pm

It's not important to the story so it doesn't matter what race she is
Also blacks were allowed in showbiz

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 7/6/14 at 6:01pm

Source?