What's going on with the Black Cat???
What's going on with the Black Cat???
iliketheater
Broadway Star Joined: 12/10/05
#1What's going on with the Black Cat???
Posted: 5/24/07 at 2:03am
I was so excited when I heard that the acclaimed "Raisin in the Sun" director, Kenny Leon, would be bringing an all African-American cast of "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" to Broadway. I was certain that this would be a brilliant production, with a brilliant cast, just as Raisin was.
But now, according to playbill.com, it's no longer being directed by Leon, but Debbie Allen instead. Worst news of all is that according to an interview in Entertainment News; the new producer, who has no prior theater experience, has... (I cringe as I type this) passed on Audra McDonald to play Maggie in hopes that they can get Beyonce.
DEAR GOD.
I simply can't handle that. I can't. Now, I don't mind Debbie Allen directing, I've actually never personally seen any of her stage work, so I can't say anything BAD about her. But I am disappionted that this is out of Leon's hands.
As for Beyonce playing Maggie in the FIRST BROADWAY ALL-BLACK CAST OF CAT.... I have no words. Discuss.
*and I greatly appreciate any extra information that can be given*
Updated On: 5/24/07 at 02:03 AM
iliketheater
Broadway Star Joined: 12/10/05
#2re: What's going on with the Black Cat???
Posted: 5/24/07 at 2:09am
Article announcing Leon's plans...
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/104629.html
New director (for what reason, they don't say)
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/108139.html
Interview with Audra (the news is on the second page)
http://www.nypost.com/seven/05212007/entertainment/bold_mcdonald_entertainment_barbara_hoffman.htm?page=2
#2re: What's going on with the Black Cat???
Posted: 5/24/07 at 2:16am
Here's a few threads where you can get more info on the topic 
http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?boardname=bway&thread=935840#3029220
"Some people can thrive and bloom living life in a living room, that's perfect for some people of one hundred and five. But I at least gotta try, when I think of all the sights that I gotta see, all the places I gotta play, all the things that I gotta be at"
#3re: What's going on with the Black Cat???
Posted: 5/24/07 at 2:16am
http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?boardname=bway&thread=935475#3020818
"Some people can thrive and bloom living life in a living room, that's perfect for some people of one hundred and five. But I at least gotta try, when I think of all the sights that I gotta see, all the places I gotta play, all the things that I gotta be at"
iliketheater
Broadway Star Joined: 12/10/05
#4re: What's going on with the Black Cat???
Posted: 5/24/07 at 2:25am
Thank you ray-andallthatjazz86, I'm sorry to double post (or whatever we call this 
).
My2cents2
Swing Joined: 9/15/06
#5re: What's going on with the Black Cat???
Posted: 5/24/07 at 10:25amThe production has been postponed until further notice.
Gothampc
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/03
#6re: What's going on with the Black Cat???
Posted: 5/24/07 at 10:36am
"Now, I don't mind Debbie Allen directing, I've actually never personally seen any of her stage work"
Picture it: the year the music of Aladdin was nominated for an Oscar. Debbie Allen is choreographing. At one point, Ms. Allen had Nell Carter run across the stage. All 350 pounds of Nell Carter, in motion, running across the stage. Grown men retched at the sight. Women fainted at the sight. There is a shrine to the intern that had to stop her when she reached the wings. Needless to say, I've never trusted Debbie Allen's instincts since that day.
If anyone ever tells you that you put too much Parmesan cheese on your pasta, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
Updated On: 5/24/07 at 10:36 AM
#7re: What's going on with the Black Cat???
Posted: 12/11/07 at 6:43amNinscherl wants to know if there is any news.
"Winning a Tony this year is like winning Best Attendance in third grade: no one will care but the winner and their mom."
-Kad
"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)
-Kad
"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)
Videos