Sierra Boggess to play Maria in West Side Story in London

RippedMan said: "I guess it's a concert, but like, did no one think about...like...race?"

No excuse. Kennedy Center earlier this year was also a concert, but they got it right. This is just idiotic, at best.

Updated On: 4/19/18 at 07:59 PM

I just decided to schedule my annual London visit so that I can see this.  Exciting news.  Ain't nothing wrong with Sierra as Maria.  Nothing at all.

 

Yikes. She has publicly expressed regret over playing it the first time too, and made it clear that she knows she should not be playing non caucasian characters.

gypsy101 said: "i could maybe see her playing the character on like a studio cast recording but even that’s kind of iffy. is it that hard to cast her in appropriate roles? you wouldn’t think so."

More important question: is it that hard to cast a Latina in a role that's written...for a Latina?

Didn't Jessica Vosk play Anita in like a couple of concert versions? I don't think Sierra is right for Maria at all, but shouldn't we also be reacting the same way to other performers who do similar things?

broadwayboy223 said: "Didn't Jessica Vosk play Anita in like a couple of concert versions? I don't think Sierra is right for Maria at all, but shouldn't we also be reacting the same way to other performers who do similar things?"

I thought I saw on Twitter that she said she had Hispanic heritage. I could be wrong, but that sounds familiar to me. If not, then shame on that team, as well.

I remember people raising their eyebrows quite a bit when Kerry Ellis was cast as Mimi in the British RENT 20th anniversary concert.

Regardless, nice attempt at deflecting the issue.

Updated On: 4/19/18 at 10:34 PM