Vocally, BSM could be one of the best Emile's in the history of SP. I enjoyed the concert with he and Reba VERY much...
Deidre as Sheila ROCKED.
While I say and firmly believe whoever can perfrom the role well should be allowed to perform the role regardless of race, creed, clor, ect., I also firmly believe that there are instances where a certain type of actor is needed.
There are roles and shows when that is a MAJOR factor... An Asian Ellen in MISS SAIGON. An African-American Emile. A white Porgy... Just not really right- it changes too much of the underlying symbolism and message. In some cases, a full rewrite of the book/lyrics may make it fit and work well, but some shows as they are- as open minded as I am and feel- just would not work with "color-blind" casting.
It's not a racisim issue, it's an "art" issue. I do not think a white actor should play a role written for a black man, but Norm as javert, BSM as Emile YAHOOOOO!!
"TO LOVE ANOTHER PERSON IS TO SEE THE FACE OF GOD"- LES MISERABLES---
"THERE'S A SPECIAL KIND OF PEOPLE KNOWN AS SHOW PEOPLE... WE'RE BORN EVERY NIGHT AT HALF HOUR CALL!"--- CURTAINS
