"The Playbill article confirms they're using the original orchestrations, as well."
One of the few things in recent years that I will be buying tickets in advance for. I also want to see it on opening week before the tourist audience settles in.
Sigh. When will white actors' time come on Broadway? Yet another lead role going to an Asian. I mean, right, Jon???
I had no idea they were going for such a big name. This is truly WONDERFUL casting. Ken Watanabe is just perfect for this role. Name recognition outside of theatre cricles, an imposing and magisterial figure, and someone who will, no doubt, have plenty of chemistry with his leading lady. Man, this production went from must-see to will-sell-After8's-firstborn to get a ticket.
So exciting! I'm glad to hear about what is shaping up to be a beautiful, traditional Broadway production! Glad that Kelli is officially confirmed and that they went with Watanbe! This is officially on my list of shows to see next summer.
Just curious: do people have a problem with the fact that he is Japanese and not Southeast Asian? I'm curious because here and on other boards, there was a lot of discussion about the problematic nature of casting someone who is racially inappropriate in this day and age, but the discussion mostly focused on white males being suggested for the role.
There was a bit of handwringing here over some other casting decisions in recent years taking jobs from Southeast Asian actors specifically, so I wondered if this casting was troubling for anyone?
Wonderful! And Christopher Gattelli overseeing the original Jerome Robbins musical staging--which means we'll get a GORGEOUS "Small House of Uncle Thomas" ballet!
I don't really have a problem with it, but I'm Chinese not Thai. Asians are obviously not interchangeable but at this rate I'm just glad he's not being played by a white actor. Slowly inching towards progress
"Well, I don't think where he's from regionally matters. He's an actor. He's going to act the part."
A lot of people seemed to disagree with that idea when the idea was brought up of someone like Michael Cerveris. I was just wondering if people were still upset even though Watanabe is Asian, though not Southeast Asian but rather Japanese. To me, I'm excited to see him in the part, but I can understand the argument for racially accurate casting.
IMO this has a lot to do with it sadly: "No, to white people, all Asians are interchangeable. Korean is Vietnamese is Laotian is Thai is etc., etc., etc."