What's going on with the Black Cat???

[iliketheater]

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]

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

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

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

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 5/24/07 at 2:16am

http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?boardname=bway&thread=935475#3020818

[iliketheater]

Posted: 5/24/07 at 2:25am

Thank you ray-andallthatjazz86, I'm sorry to double post (or whatever we call this ).

[My2cents2]

Posted: 5/24/07 at 10:25am

The production has been postponed until further notice.

[Gothampc]

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.

Updated On: 5/24/07 at 10:36 AM

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 12/11/07 at 6:43am

Ninscherl wants to know if there is any news.