Interesting. But it stars Wayne Brady whom I loathe.
"The Pasadena Playhouse production will view the work through a new lens, using the wonderful material of this celebrated production to showcase the trailblazing African-American actors and entertainers of the early 20th century."
KMK is a wonderful show with a beautiful score. I would love to see a new production of it as would probably many other people. Just not with Wayne Brady. YUCK.
A relic? KMK is an amazing show through and through.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
There is nothing wrong with colorblind casting for shows, but it sometimes irritates me to star an entire cast of the same race just because you can. Not only that, but you have to make a huge deal. Either way, KISS ME, KATE is a lovely show and it is always great when a show like this gets produced because more people get to see it.
Anything regarding shows stated by this account is an attempt to convey opinion and not fact.
I kind of feel the same way. Why not a multi-racial cast instead of just a blanketed cast? And even if it does turn out "all white" it's not like it's promoted as such for a marketing ploy.
No one complains about all white casts. All black casts gives opportunity to black actors and creates an opportunity to challenge the piece and get the story from a different perspective. Making the characters black can have a huge effect on how they are played. I think of the scene with Fred and Lily discussing their rise to fame and their experiences as struggling actors. Being a black person in the business is a different experience, dealing with racism, less opportunities, stereotypical characters, ect. An all black cast can add a whole layer of depth to these characters and this story.
I see nothing wrong with an all-black or a mixed-race cast.
But if I wanted "to showcase the trailblazing African-American actors and entertainers of the early 20th century", my first impulse wouldn't be to reach for Cole Porter. Not that he was a bigot. I honestly don't know. I just wonder why they aren't also celebrating "trailblazing" black writers.
OK, I'm lying. I do know why. It was a poor choice of wording by the marketing department. Why does an all-black cast need any explanation at all?
Well, judging by the responses of some people in this thread, apparently vast parts of the world feel it does need some sort of explanation, though I can't imagine why.
Then you missed the many posts about BULLETS OVER BROADWAY. It was absurd to see a group of white men sing 'Taint Nobody's Business without the slightest hint of irony.
Well put PJ. . I would have rather them cast Norm Lewis or bring back Brian Stokes Mitchell. The way their press release reads comes off as a marketing ploy. Plus the casting Of Wayne Brady comes off as cheap television D name stunt casting.