Spelling Bee- Chicago Cast

[Madame X2]

Posted: 3/29/06 at 1:59am

So, Spelling Bee began its open run here in Chicago tonight. Anyone see it?

By the way: Has anyone else noticed that Chip's last name was changed to Berkowitz?

[liotte]

Posted: 3/29/06 at 2:09am

Someone please post a detailed review!

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 3/29/06 at 2:11am

By the way: Has anyone else noticed that Chip's last name was changed to Berkowitz?

Yep...

https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?boardname=bway&thread=891080

[Madame X2]

Posted: 3/29/06 at 2:18am

Ergh, I'm sorry. *headdesk*

[Creative Lunatic]

Posted: 3/29/06 at 5:54pm

To provide some historical background---In the Barrington Stage workshop, The Chip Tolentino character was played by Robb Sapp and known as Tripp Barrington(a tribute to the region). He was a white privileged preppie..A decision was made to diversify the cast and thus Jose replaced Robb off-Broadway and Robb went into Wicked. There are no specific dialogue references to Chip's ethnic identity.
I think it is interesting that people are zeroing in on the
new Jewish identity of this Chicago Chip.. Remember that the characters of Barfee and Olive are Jewish and Logainne is half Jewish.
Olive's character was originated by Rebecca Feldman and was called Beth Margulies. Since Rebecca Feldman, Dan Fogler, and Sarah Saltzberg gave birth to these characters it makes sense that they would reflect their own heritage to some degree..
I guess Chicago's Putnam County is more homogeneous.

[MyMeredithMonster]

Posted: 3/29/06 at 6:08pm

Not to start an argument or anything, but I don't think there's any issue over him being Jewish now (half-jewish here :) ). I think it was just the fact that his name had been changed that puzzled people.

Updated On: 3/29/06 at 06:08 PM

[GilmoreGirlO2]

Posted: 3/29/06 at 6:37pm

Review...

https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?thread=891868&dt=16

[Creative Lunatic]

Posted: 3/29/06 at 6:51pm

I also question the need to change the name--They could have made him Issac Chip Tolentino if they thought they needed to acknowledge that the Chicago actor cast had a very different ethnic look than Jose Llana's Chip . I mean Logainne's full name certainly has a wonderful story attached.
That would be a good question to ask the cast.